Abstract

This article discusses the unique responsibilities of managing a diverse workforce in today’s society. It addresses differences in employment expectations of the four major generational groups (the Greatest Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X and Gen Y). It examines the economic impacts of the underutilization of older workers in the United States and looks into ethical issues for managers of older employees and the moral values that older employees bring to the workplace. It provides advice for managers of diverse workforces and job hunting tips for older workers. It also discusses the two moral principles that guide managers. Distributive justice states than the distribution of resources and benefits to employees must be based on what the individual contributed to the firm, not personal characteristics such as age and gender. Procedural justice requires that managers be fair when distributing outcomes to organizational members.