THE BUSINESS CASE: #GENERATIONAL DIVERSITY No.1

True diversity includes diversity of thought, style background and experience. We cannot have that in today world without age or generational diversity. Most organizations, media and forums only focus on dealing with gender, race/ethnicity, disability and sexual orientation differences, yet true diversity is much more, and generational worldviews influence many of the more traditional aspects of diversity.

Professor Martin Davidson of the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and the school’s Diversity Director said in a talk to Darden alumni that he thinks generational diversity is the aspect of diversity that needs the most focus because of the critical need for knowledge transfer. I would add to the business case that: many institutions fear age discrimination lawsuits; and they need to enhance their ability to attract, retain, communicate with and work with clients and customers of different generations. Let’s be clear – generational diversity and inter-generational relations are a serious and critical business issue and shape our work and personal lives.