Generational differences in career perspective: applying kaleidoscope career model

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine, using the kaleidoscope career model, whether members of the Generation Z and Generation Y differ in their needs for authenticity, balance and challenge. Survey data were obtained from 304 participants located in Istanbul, Turkey. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis, reliability analysis, and t-test were performed to test the hypotheses. Findings show that there were no differences in needs for challenge, authenticity, challenge members of Generation Y and members of Generation Z. A limitation in the study, as well as in most of the research on generational differences, is the use of online survey. Online interviews, a longitudinal, multi-survey design may enable to better understand generational differences using kaleidoscope career model. Knowledge of the differences among the generations can help employees and organisations make important decisions about their career's paths and developments. Some of the studies so far use the theoretical framework of the kaleidoscope career model. This academic research conducted in Turkey, utilised the kaleidoscope career model to examine the differences in generations. However, originality of this research comes from using quantitative research method to measure the differences among the generations.