Managing the Generations
Billy Henderson
Prior Learning Essay
Dr. David Williams
February 28, 2012
Managing the Generations Managing employees can come easy to some managers, but one part of managing workers is a little more difficult than a manager figure, and that is managing the different generations. In August of 2011 I was able to attend training for supervisors and managers that showed them the difference in the generations in the workforce. This was the first part of a three part training that we will be required to attend. For the first time in the history of the U.S. there are four different generations in the workforce. (Zemke, Raines & Filipazak, 2000) The first thing that I am going to discuss is four basic managing styles. Autocratic management style was the first management style that we covered. The autocratic management style is considered the classical approach to management. With this style managers try to have and keep the authority and decision making themselves without depending on other workers. During the past 30 years this style of management has been criticized do to the higher turnover rate in organizations. These type of managers want things done their way with no questions asked, and do not want to listen to anyone, it is either their way or no way. This style is used in the Military and during crisis management situations where this style would work the best. (Foong) The next management style is a Bureaucratic Management Style. This type of management style is a manager that does everything by the book. They stick strictly to the policies of the company. If there is something that is not covered by the policy then this manager will go to the next level of management before making a decision. (Foong) This author feels that this type of manager would be good in machine work or building airplanes. These types of jobs do have