Generational Differences In Reaction To Negative Feedback

GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES IN REACTION TO NEGATIVE FEEDBACK by ABIGAIL E. B. REISS August 2010 Advisor: Dr. Marcus W. Dickson Major: Psychology (Industrial/Organizational) Degree: Master of Arts Generational differences in the workplace have received a great deal of attention in the past few years. The present study examined the reactions of Generation Y, Generation X, and Baby Boomers after receiving negative feedback. The sample of both working adults and undergraduate students were asked to watch a video of an actor portraying a supervisor dealing with a problem. The participants were asked what they would do in the situation and then received negative feedback about their answers. After receiving the feedback the participants showed no difference in motivation levels or self-efficacy, however there were significant differences between Generation Y and Baby Boomers in the perception of the negativity of the feedback that the participants received.