Navigating generational conflicts in the workplace and the role of responsible leadership in fostering inclusivity

  • Isabell Honné (Student)

Student thesis: Master's Thesis

Abstract

This thesis explores the challenges leaders face in navigating generational conflicts within teams and fostering inclusivity through a responsible leadership approach. As workplaces become more diverse, with employees from varying age groups, communication styles and leadership expectations often clash, creating friction. This study aims to identify effective strategies to manage these conflicts and promote inclusivity. Through a combination of literature review and qualitative interviews, key findings highlight that mentoring programs, deliberate team mixing, and non-work activities are practical solutions for addressing generational divides. These initiatives not only help reduce tensions but also enhance team cohesion by fostering mutual respect and understanding across different age groups. However, generational differences in work ethics, especially concerning commitment and work-life balance, remain significant challenges. The thesis also underscores that while responsible leadership is crucial in promoting inclusivity and collaboration, it may not fully resolve conflicts arising from deeply ingrained values. As organizations scale and expand globally, maintaining inclusivity requires ongoing efforts and the integration of new strategies such as community engagement and social responsibility initiatives. This research provides valuable insights into managing generational diversity in teams and emphasize the evolving role of responsible leadership in creating more inclusive work environments.
Date of Award15 Oct 2024
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • Universidade Católica Portuguesa
SupervisorNuno Moreira da Cruz (Supervisor)

Keywords

  • Generational conflicts
  • Responsible leadership
  • Team inclusivity
  • Leadership strategies
  • Workplace diversity
  • Team dynamics
  • Qualitative research
  • Organizational cohesion

Designation

  • Mestrado em Gestão e Administração de Empresas (mestrado internacional)

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