title: An empirical assessment of generational differences in basic human values.
abstract: This study assessed generational differences in human values as measured by the Schwartz Value Survey. It was proposed that the two most recent generations, Millennials and Generation Xers, would value Self-enhancement and Openness to Change more than the two older generations, Baby Boomers and Matures, while the two older generations would value Self-transcendence and Conservation more. The hypotheses were tested with a combined sample of Canadian knowledge workers and undergraduate business students (N = 1,194). Two hypotheses were largely supported, although an unexpectedly large difference was observed between Millennials and Generation Xers with respect to Openness to Change and Self-enhancement. The findings suggest that generation is a useful variable in examining differences in social values.
authors.affiliation: Gerald Schwartz School of Business and Information Systems, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada B2G 2W5. slyons@stfx.ca
authors.forename: Sean T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Lyons
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Duxbury
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Higgins
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D015988:Cohort Effect; D036262:Empirical Research; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016901:Intergenerational Relations; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012945:Social Values; D014167:Transference, Psychology