Generacje internetowe na rynku pracy
Internet generations in the labor market

Summary/Abstract: Objectives: When describing generational differences, the concept of a collective (prototypical) unit is used, which has been shaped by prevalent social and cultural conditions during the formative period of secondary socialization. Generations whose privileged period coincided with the widespread use of the internet have been referred to as internet generations. The article aims to draw attention to the need to separate the effects of biological age (younger doroworkers differ from older ones in terms of factors such as muscle strength and fresh memory) from the effects of generation resulting from environmental differences during the privileged period of secondary socialization. Methodology: The article presents analyses of survey research results from the World Value Survey in 2005 and 2020, as well as the European Social Survey from 2018/2019. Results: Using WVS data, the article demonstrates an empirical approach to distinguish the generational effect from the effect of biological age in the study of work attitudes. It shows that, compared to older generations, work is less significant for internet generations. Using ESS data shows that the intensity of internet usage positively correlates with self-focused hedonism among all respondents. The negative correlation with others-centred conformity depends on age (younger respondents exhibit a stronger correlation). Limitations/Implications: Unfortunately, most scientific reports on generational differences are based on cross-sectional measurements at a single point in time. Such studies do not allow for the separation of age, period, and cohort effects, thus posing a high risk of making false generalizations regarding generational differences. Originality/Value: The Internet revolution, which has taken place on a nearly global scale, has radically changed intergenerational relationships. Internet generations no longer need to look for information by asking older employees.

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