The authors of this research claim that year of birth is a wholly inadequate basis for predicting attitudes and shaping HR practices. They make a convincing case that currently, the discussion of generations is simplistic and sloppy. Greater nuance and clarity is imperative, and we must stop conflating generations with age and culture.

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Reviewed by

Jonny Gifford, former Senior Adviser for Organisational Behaviour, CIPD

Jonny’s work centred on conducting applied research in employment and people management, and strengthening links between academia and practice. He led the CIPD’s work on evidence-based HR and academic knowledge exchange.

Jonny is an Academic Member of the CIPD, a Fellow of the Center for Evidence-Based Management (CEBMa), and a PhD candidate at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

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