Can’t We All Just Get Along? A Dual-Theory Approach to Understanding and Managing the Multigenerational Workplace

Multigenerational workplaces bring a varied range of talents but present distinct challenges for employers. Generational differences can lead to lack of understanding, compromised communication, and decreased productivity. We examine the problem of generational differences through the lenses of two complementary generational theories. Generational differences are explored from the perspectives of age, social placement, the impacts of major societal changes, and each generation’s placement relative to the others. We conclude by presenting suggestions for employers based on these theoretical considerations. First, employers must familiarize themselves with their employees and workplace. Second, mentoring and reverse mentoring can promote effective intergenerational communicatio

Philosophical Hermeneutic Interviewing

This article describes, exemplifies and discusses the use of the philosophical hermeneutic interview and its distinguishing characteristics. Excerpts of interviews from a philosophical hermeneutic study are used to show how this particular phenomenological tradition is applied to research inquiry. The purpose of the article is to lay out the foundational background for philosophical hermeneutics in a way that clarifies its unique approach to interviewing and its usefulness for advancing health care knowledge. Implications for health care research and practice are addressed