Protecting my turf: The moderating role of generational differences on the relationships between self-direction and hedonism values and reactions to generational diversity

J Soc Psychol. 2019;159(2):153-169. doi: 10.1080/00224545.2019.1570903.

Abstract

Drawing from basic human values theory and generational identity theory, we hypothesize that two self-focused values, self-direction and hedonism, will be negatively associated with reactions to generational diversity initiatives, and that this relationship will differ between millennials and non-millennials. As expected, our findings illustrate that self-direction and hedonism are negatively related to reactions to generational diversity initiatives. Additionally, self-direction's influence on reactions to diversity initiatives is significantly higher for non-millennials than millennials. These findings suggest that generational differences affect cognitive processes surrounding reactions to generational diversity initiatives.

Keywords: Generational differences; generational diversity; millennials; values.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cultural Diversity*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Personal Autonomy*
  • Philosophy
  • Social Behavior*
  • Social Values*