CROSS-GENERATIONAL ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT: EVIDENCE FROM A FIELD STUDY IN GREECE

We are in the midst of a well-documented world-wise shortage of young employees. This shortage is expected to worsen in coming years. Efforts to recruit employees at a young age, while retaining older employees, have resulted in, at least, three generations in the workforce. As recruiting and retention efforts continue, the concept of organizational commitment across generations is important to consider – since research has demonstrated that enhanced organizational commitment leads to positive outcomes both at the individual and organizational level of analysis. The current study investigated whether generational differences impact the level of organizational commitment experienced by younger vis-à-vis older Greek employees. In line with expectations, and previous findings, results demonstrate that significant differences do exist between generations regarding exchange-based commitment – particularly, continuance commitment and the social obligation aspect of normative commitment. Yet, contrary to previous findings, no differences were identified with respect to affective commitment – highlighting, perhaps, the particularities of the Greek cultural context. Recommendations for practice are discussed, along with suggestions for further research.