| Abstract: | The manager's dilemmas and options in resolving the emerging latent intergenerational conflict in the contemporary knowledge‐rich workplace is the main topic that has been addressed in this paper. First, we have identified the antecedents leading to the polarization in task requirements between the subcultures of 20+ year‐old and 40+ year‐old employees. Second, we have reviewed the social and environmental factors that contribute to the retained distinctiveness of the “cool” subculture of the 20+ Next Generation employees in the contemporary workplace. Third, we have identified the polarization of the two generational subcultures along the six independent dimensions proposed by Hofstede (1998). Finally, we have recommended a differentiated and integrated method for today's manager to be implemented in managing these two distinct subcultures. |
