This week’s TRIPLE III TIME message is my quarterly guest author article for the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) organization. For a group of consultant-focus reasons I chose to share my thoughts about a combined view of Generational Diversity & Public Responsibility.

Specifically, the article reviews the positions our different generations have taken with regard to assuming quality public responsibility. No, it is not designed to be an in-depth scientific study. Rather the article attempts to equally assess the U.S. citizens stance on priority public responsibility issues during the special generational sectors.

I hope you enjoy the article.

Generational Diversity & Public Responsibility

In recent times so much has been written and discussed about the differences between the specific generational sectors. Baby Boomers…Generation X…Generation Y (Millennials) and now Generation Z.  Standard comparison topics have included: work characteristics, creativity, leadership, communication styles, organizational loyalty and work\life balancing. As you can guess the comparisons seem to report a high level of “changing-with-the-times” and a greater sense of independent thinking. However, if one takes a long look at generational concerns regarding consistent public responsibility for sustaining good government… traditional expectations and standards appear to remain.

An appropriate first example of discussion with regard to comparing generational diversity and related public responsibilities is the world of work. If one reviews the historic role of government in ensuring jobs for all from 1946-2012 (and beyond) …it would appear that consistency has prevailed. When one considers times of war, recession, private sector change challenges and/or global economy impacts, every generation has expected some form of governmental support action. Whether the action was a bail-out of the automobile companies or the restarts required following an international pandemic, the majority of every generation considered it a public responsibility for government to step-up and enact some form of progressive program/process to move the country forward. Understandably the citizenry from every sector voiced a wide variety of government options to improve the identified problems, however majority support was embraced for qualified public responsibility action.

Communication is another very notable generational diversity topic. Without question the way and means of sharing information with regard to public/governmental responsibilities on every communication level has undergone an immense assembly of changes. Every generation has had to make tremendous adjustments to socially and technologically adapt to ever-evolving communication formats. From regular phones to cell phones, regular television to streaming programs, in-person meetings to virtual webcasts… all generations have been charged to effectively make the necessary adaptions!

So have different generations loved and hated the communication changes…YES!  Have those responsible for completing public responsibilities to their best ability regardless of the communication requirements done so…YES!  Today extensive governmental activity communication is at an all time high. Truly advanced communication methodologies have made U.S. citizens the most informed in the world.  But similar to the world-of-work, the public has the right to use communication alternatives with different priorities in mind. Therefore the result is often viewed in generational diversity terms, rather than just simple personality differences. Think about it.

Innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship are other recognized generational diversity areas of significance. If one studies the great discoveries, scientific improvements and/or inventions that have occurred during every separate timeframe, it is impossible to somehow generationally rank the multitudes of achievement. Also, it is difficult to assess how every innovation has provided new and better ways of accomplishment in the public responsibility arena. However, unquestionably both the private and public sectors have experienced some form of public responsibility gains as a result. The examples of creativity over the years are many including health care, transportation, nutrition, manufacturing, education, communication improvements and yes the list goes on. Regardless every generation has and continues to seek new alternatives to make way for a better public good. The only generational diversity comes in the form of prioritization and means of accomplishment. Hence, the intent I believe remains consistent with regard to satisfying public responsibility expectations and demands.

A final but very important Generational Diversity & Public Responsibility topic that deserves analysis is our country’s two-party system. Throughout our history the diversity that exists between Democrats and Republicans has caused a great deal of leadership challenges, fluctuations in public responsibility commitments and variations in what policy areas deserve the greatest level of priority. However, regardless of the political situation that evolves or impacts of a citizen’s generational assignment… party selection does not appear to change their public responsibility perceptions.

Isn’t it substantial that regardless of a citizen’s age or their right or left wing party beliefs, their public responsibility policy followings have remained the same. This occurrence is documented based on our selection of presidents and policymakers over the years. As a result, the public responsibility values retained by Baby Boomers, Generation Xers, Generation Y-millennials and Generation Z individuals have shown that our country remains operating with a historical balance. Understandably this balance to addressing U.S. public responsibility has realized many strained times when “choosing political sides” is a driving force. However, somehow the dedication to providing the best public responsibility services comes to pass.

OK now it is logical to ask: Why is this article on Generational Diversity & Public Responsibility important? I believe in our current times it is critical to recognize and appreciate all of the public responsibility activities/elements that make the United States “governmentally shine”! Historically citizens have always had the opportunity to choose leaders and processes that make the nation progressive. Therefore, when looking at each generation… their differences and uniqueness, it is equally important to take note of a continuance of their positive pursuit of public responsibility. This genuine and authentic care for the betterment of our country is what our Founding Fathers considered most important.