Research Proposal

Title:
Comparison of Job Satisfaction between Generation X and Generation Y/Millennial Employees.
Target number of Respondents:
100
Type of Sample Technique:
Simple random
Chosen Constructs:
1. Age (as they will be categorized according to the following generations);
1.1. Generation X - Born between 1965 to 198; and
1.2. Generation Y – Born between 1982 to present
Age will serve as the Independent Variable (IV) for this research proposal that will give rise
to two categories – Generation X and Generation Y.

2. Job Satisfaction
The following constructs under Job Satisfaction will be measured by using the Job
Satisfaction Survey by Paul E. Spector:
2.1. Nature of Work;
2.2. Pay;
2.3. Operating Procedures; and
2.4. Total Job Satisfaction
Job Satisfaction will serve as the overall Dependent Variable (DV). However, this research
proposal will focus more on the specific variables of the Survey, namely: Nature of Work,
Pay, Operating Procedures, and the total Job Satisfaction score/Total Job Satisfaction.

Researches about Generation X and Y in the Workplace

Generational differences in the workplace are inevitable. In addition, several studies have shown that
there are some differences among different generations. For one, FDU Magazine (2005) mentioned that
Generation X are cautious when it comes to money and perceive work as a difficult challenge, while the
Generation Y have a “earn to spend” attitude and consider work as a fulfillment. Such stereotypes could
manifest and be explained further if there is a significant difference on pay subscale as well as with the
other subscales between the two generations.

In a study done by Strangler (2009), she described the individuals from Generation X as self-reliant,
independent, skeptical, technology literate, lack people skills, often change jobs to have a variety of
experiences, and treat authority in a casual manner. They also want continuous training, will not work
more than 40 hours unless they are paid for it, and does not believe in loyalty to the company.
Moreover, as she cited from Zemke et al., (2000), Generation X wants an informal workplace, flexible
hours, weekends free, more than minimum benefits and pay, often lack attention and was always
neglected because of two reasons: (1) their parents had joint custody, visitation rights and weekend
father; and (2) they were from a two-income family.

Generation Y, on the other hand are, realistic and see by other individuals as the most tolerant of all
generations. They have busy, overplanned, and stressful lives, want to work with committed and
idealistic employees, expect clear and concise instructions. They work hard to get what they want in life
and will look forward to a safe and secure workplace environment. Moreover, they want teamwork,
knowledge of technology, and hard working. They are seen as the perfect workforce. They are resilient,
too, according to Zemke et al. (as cited by Stranglen, 2009).