Information Technology Training to Promote Collaboration Among Multiple Generations

Information Technology Training to Promote Collaboration Among Multiple Generations by Gregg Anthony Foster MBA, University of Phoenix, 2009 BS, Virginia State University, 2006 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Management Walden University April 2017 Abstract The decision to implement information technology (IT) initiatives to enhance collaboration among veterans, baby boomers, Generation X, Generation Y, and Fifth Generation employees continues to challenge organizational leaders. The purpose of this nonexperimental study was to identify how the implementation of information technology initiatives, coupled with the knowledge of learning styles, might enhanceThe decision to implement information technology (IT) initiatives to enhance collaboration among veterans, baby boomers, Generation X, Generation Y, and Fifth Generation employees continues to challenge organizational leaders. The purpose of this nonexperimental study was to identify how the implementation of information technology initiatives, coupled with the knowledge of learning styles, might enhance collaboration among generational cohort employees. The generational cohort theory, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory, and the technology acceptance model were the theoretical frameworks used to develop an understanding of the relationships among the cohorts and the acceptance of technology to enhance collaboration. Data were collected from a survey of 335 respondents from the five generational cohorts who worked in small, medium, and large not-for-profit firms that used IT processes, in the Southeastern United States. Data analysis included Welch ANOVA with the Games-Howell post hoc test, Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn’s Bonferroni adjustment, and chi-square tests. Findings revealed no significant differences in learning style preferences among the cohorts, and no significant differences among factors influencing preferences for technology activity. Irrespective of generational cohorts, individuals displayed common degrees of comfort with IT training activities. Findings may be used by organizational leaders to implement technology training activities without focus on preferences for training among multigenerational employees. Findings may also be used to enhance collaboration by focusing on commonalities rather than differences among generational cohorts. Information Technology Training to Promote Collaboration Among Multiple Generations by Gregg Anthony Foster MBA, University of Phoenix, 2009 BS, Virginia State University, 2006 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Management Specialization: Information Systems Management 2 Walden University April 2017 Dedication To my wife and mother whose support allowed me to finish this journey. Acknowledgments This journey would not be completed with the patient and supportive assistance of my committee chairperson, Dr. Sunil Hazari. His level of support was unceasing and positive throughout the entire dissertation process, and he kept me focused during the journey. I learned so much from you. Thank you to Dr. Bharat Thakkar, my committee member, for always providing clarity and answering my questions. My gratitude to Dr. Janice Spangenburg, my URR member, who reviewed my manuscript, provided comments, and guided me in the right direction. I also would like to acknowledge those members of the Walden faculty who were part of helping me to complete this journey.