A study on generational differences in work values and person-organization fit and its effect on turnover intention of Generation Y in India

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into differences in work values and Person-Organisation (P-O) fit of Baby Boomers, Gen X and Gen Y in India and to understand the relationship between (P-O) fit values and turnover intention of Generation Y employees. Design/methodology/approach - The work values were measured using an adapted version of Lyons Work Values scale. The generational differences in work values and P-O fit were studied using multivariate analysis of variance and relationship between P-O fit values and turnover intention of Gen Y employees was studied using polynomial regression and response surface methodology. Findings - Significant differences in work values were observed between Generation Y and older generations. Generation Y also reported significantly higher discrepancy in P-O fit values than Generation X and Baby Boomers. This had an effect on their turnover intention. Research limitations/implications - A cross-sectional design was used to study the generational differences in work values where the generation effects may have been confounded with age effects. Practical implications - The differences in work values and P-O fit values of Generation Y and older generations provide input into designing organisation systems and structures more suitable for younger generations to manage the high turnover among Generation Y in India. Originality/value - This is one of the first studies on generational differences in work values and P-O fit in the Indian context. It is also one of the first to investigate relationship between P-O fit and turnover intention of Generation Y in India.