Journal of Nursing Management

Volume 17, Issue 1 p. 100-109

Contrasting burnout, turnover intention, control, value congruence and knowledge sharing between Baby Boomers and Generation X

MICHAEL P. LEITER PhD,

MICHAEL P. LEITER PhD

Canada Research Chair in Occupational Health and Wellness

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NICOLE J. JACKSON BSc,

NICOLE J. JACKSON BSc

Student Research Assistant

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KRYSTELLE SHAUGHNESSY MSc,

KRYSTELLE SHAUGHNESSY MSc

Masters Student Researcher, Centre for Organizational Research & Development, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada

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MICHAEL P. LEITER PhD,

MICHAEL P. LEITER PhD

Canada Research Chair in Occupational Health and Wellness

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NICOLE J. JACKSON BSc,

NICOLE J. JACKSON BSc

Student Research Assistant

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KRYSTELLE SHAUGHNESSY MSc,

KRYSTELLE SHAUGHNESSY MSc

Masters Student Researcher, Centre for Organizational Research & Development, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada

Search for more papers by this author

First published: 23 December 2008

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2834.2008.00884.x

Citations: 75

Michael P. Leiter
Centre for Organizational Research & Development
Acadia University
Wolfville, NS
Canada B4P 2R6
E-mail: [email protected]

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Abstract

Aim(s) This paper examines the contrasting role of work values for nurses from two generations: Baby Boomers and Generation X.

Background Differences among nurses regarding core values pertaining to their work has a potential to influence the quality of their work life. These differences may have implications for their vulnerability to job burnout.

Evaluation The analysis is based upon questionnaire surveys of nurses representing Generation X (n = 255) and Baby Boomers (n = 193) that contrasted their responses on job burnout, areas of work life, knowledge transfer and intention to quit.

Key issue(s) The analysis identified a greater person/organization value mismatch for Generation X nurses than for Baby Boomer nurses. Their greater value mismatch was associated with a greater susceptibility to burnout and a stronger intention to quit for Generation X nurses.

Conclusion(s) The article notes the influence of Baby Boomer nurses in the structure of work and the application of new knowledge in health care work settings. Implications for recruitment and retention are discussed with a focus on knowledge transfer activities associated with distinct learning styles.

Implications for nursing management Understanding value differences between generations will help nursing managers to develop more responsive work settings for nurses of all ages.

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Volume17, Issue1

January 2009

Pages 100-109

Contrasting burnout, turnover intention, control, value congruence and knowledge sharing between Baby Boomers and Generation X

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Contrasting burnout, turnover intention, control, value congruence and knowledge sharing between Baby Boomers and Generation X

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