Generations form by tumultuous events and changes that occur throughout time. Innovation and advances in society are inevitable. However, values and morals have commonality throughout history. With the changing complexion of society, recent generations such as "X" and "Y" have resorted back to the fundamental principles of their ancestors. Even as new generations form, traditions, morals, and values remain the same in United States society.
Defining the series of time of the discussion is the Generation X time period from 1960-1980.1 Generation X is a group that is not easily defined on any front - it totals somewhere between 38 million to 70 million people in the United States. While most marketing experts define the group as being born between 1965 and 1975 or 1977, scholarly types cite the years 1961 to 1980 or 1981.2 Also known as the Post-Baby Boom Generation, the relationships with previous generations have many parallelisms. With this generation now in prime position, influencing the course of society, emphasis on values proves to be the biggest similarity throughout the generations. .
Work ethic is a core value which Generation X holds in high regard. As Alan R. Earls stated, "The group concluded that both men and women in Generation X share the work motivation of earlier generations."3 With business operations changing their tactics, the changing complexion of society forces business to thrive in society. Even though the business atmosphere is more technologically based, workers still strive to put forth their very best work, even if it is from behind a desk instead of in a factory. Generation Xers understand the work ethic principle and use it as a fundamental platform for their outlook on business. Earls also suggests that Xers use the loyalty shown by their parents towards employers (Earls, par. 1). Micromanagement has been overcome by the need for committees, and business decisions are now made by a group of people instead of individuals.