The net generation: its impact on the business landscape

Abstract

Purpose

This paper addresses a new generation of employees and the effect this generation is having on the current business landscape.

Design/methodology/approach

It is only recently that business leaders have become aware of this generational shift that is impacting on their organizations, but digital natives are not well understood by most senior management today.

Findings

This paper discusses the salient differences between two current generations of employees, and aims to improve managers' understanding of digital natives and what they need to do to attract and retain the necessary talent required to achieve ongoing business success.

Practical implications

The issues addressed in this paper will benefit all those who are responsible for the recruitment, development, promotion and management of people, irrespective of the nature or size of their businesses.

Originality/value

The term “digital natives” appeared in the academic literature more than a decade ago, but little attention has been paid to them at the business level.

Citation

Dumeresque, D. (2012), "The net generation: its impact on the business landscape", Strategic Direction, Vol. 28 No. 9, pp. 3-5. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580541211256611