Navigating Generational Differences in Radiology

Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1148/rg.2018180051

Navigating and understanding generational differences are critical skills for radiology leaders to possess in the coming decade as four distinct generations work side by side for the first time in history.

Generations are cohorts of individuals born in a particular time period who share similar values or value systems owing to historic events that occurred at crucial times during their development. Generations are defined to study how views and values change over time and to assess the differential impact that formative experiences have on groups. Understanding and navigating generational differences will be a critical skill for radiology leaders in the coming decade, as four distinct generations are working side by side for the first time in history. The four generations currently in the workforce are categorized as traditionalists, baby boomers, Generation Xers, and millennials. Beginning in 2016, millennials became the largest generation in the U.S. workforce, surpassing the number of Generation Xers. This major demographic shift will have a profound impact on workplace culture, recruitment efforts, and trainee education. While each generation has similar basic needs, meeting those needs and motivating individuals of different generations are best accomplished using different approaches. Radiology leaders must encourage and support these varied generations to work harmoniously to foster high-performance organizations.

©RSNA, 2018

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Article History

Received: Mar 4 2018
Revision requested: Apr 17 2018
Revision received: May 14 2018
Accepted: May 21 2018
Published online: Oct 10 2018
Published in print: Oct 2018