Generational Cohort Analysis

Volunteering is something that can happen at all ages and each different age group has something that is important to offer when they volunteer. In volunteering the different age groups are broken down into five distinct generation cohorts (Connors, 2012). By breaking down the different ages into these generational cohorts it allows those working with the volunteers the opportunity to recognize the different strengths and characteristics that the different ages bring with them to the volunteer opportunity. The five different generational cohorts include the Greatest Generation or those that were born prior to 1926, the Traditionals or Silent Generation those that were born between 1926 and 1945, the Baby Boomers those that were born between
All of theses characteristics also influence their performance or willingness to do volunteer work. Members of Generation X and Generation Y came out of a different history than other generations and have a different set of coping skills and expectations (Reisenwitz & Iyer, 2009). Both Generation X and Generation Y have lived through a lot of change which includes parents divorcing, corporate downsizing, limited financial aid, and a weak job market, which have affected the psych of both groups (Reisenwitz & Iyer, 2009). Just this short description shows how Generation X and Generation Y are similar when it comes to how they were raised and the affect that their upbringing had on their decision making process when it not only comes to life, but also volunteering. The characteristics of Generation X and Y do show some differences and also show some similarities, which is what will be discussed
Generation X is family oriented, while Generation Y is more focused on themselves, but they are still thinking about their future and building a family. Both Generation X and Y are hard workers and while Generation Y reaches for the approval of peers they still are able to accomplish the task that they are given. Generation X is more independent and does not need peer approval, but also want to accomplish the task that are given to them. When it comes to volunteering both of these generations look at it as an asset to not only the part they play in their community, but also the influence it has with their future. Generation X volunteers and will join local organization in greater numbers than some of the older generations did in their youth (Reisenwitz & Iyer, 2009). The difference between Generation X and Y is that Generation Y looks toward their employers to support them in their volunteer work effort and it is an important part of their work-life balance (Reisenwitz & Iyer, 2009). With Generation Y volunteerism can be an ideal way to improve the well-being of the workforce and attract and retain employees from this generation (Reisenwitz & Iyer, 2009). Both of these younger generations are more likely to roll up their sleeves and do volunteer work than to donate money (Reisenwitz & Iyer, 2009). This brings us to a hypothesis that was