Issue link: http://lawandordermag.epubxp.com/i/74973
UP-CLOSE: POLICE MANAGEMENT Solving Generational Conflicts SUMMARY Can Baby Boomers and Gen Xers really peacefully co-exist? Yes, but both need to learn about the other…and it takes a bit of effort on both sides. GENERATIONAL CONFLICT IN THE WORKPLACE From overtime to authority, there really is a middle ground. Does he have any idea how bored we are? By Kelly Sharp T he generational conflict can be traced to specific differences in culture, values and communica- tion styles. With the elder group of Baby Boomers getting ready to retire, and Generation X hitting middle age and middle management, how things are done in the workplace is about to change dramatically. Baby Boomers, born between 1940 and 1960, make up the ma- jority of the workforce and also the majority of the leadership roles in police departments. In the workplace, they are driven to get the job done and are willing to do whatever is necessary to succeed. Baby Boomers prefer a formalized workplace with a specific hierarchy and believe employees start at the bottom and work their way up, paying their dues as they go. Confi- dent and determined, Baby Boomers assume everyone shares their work ethic and thinks as they do. Unfortunately, this belief doesn't sit well with Gen X, born between 1960 and 1980. Gen X is a small but vocal minority 52 LAW and ORDER I July 2012 July 2012 who are often accused of lacking respect by their Baby Boomer bosses. This generation saw the recession and the downsizing of their parents by companies that turned to technology in place of people. As a result, Gen X is fiercely independent and loyal to self first, family second, and employer third. Risk takers who are bored with formalized training, they expect bosses to be colleagues and are often perceived as arrogant. All this is not to say that a Gen Xer has to "get a work ethic" or a Baby Boomer has to "get a life." Rather, it indicates that an understanding of where the other person is coming from can create a more effective communication in the workplace, and that means the generational issues must be taken into consideration. Challenge #1 – The Open Door Policy The commander announces he is implementing an Open Door Policy. Suddenly, he is inundated with line officers who drop by to bring him a complaint and sergeants who complain that patrol officers are circumventing the chain of command. For a Baby Boomer, an Open Door Policy indicates manage- ment is aware problems will exist in the workplace and want to be an active part of the solution. Baby Boomers respect hierarchy, believe in following the chain of command, and understand the Open Door Policy indicates the commander