Speed and rhythm in organizations: How do different generations cope with speed and rhythm at work?

A Work Project, presented as part of the requirements for the Award of a Masters Degree in Management from the NOVA – School of Business and Economics

Speed and rhythm in organizations can be examined from different perspectives and disciplines. The purpose of this work project is to investigate a theme that has been gaining relevance over the last few decades in Organizational Sciences: how people cope with speed and rhythm at work. Twenty-four employees, from two generations, of various hierarchical levels from a wide range of organizations were interviewed. Net Generation and Baby Boom Generation, the two generations in question, were analysed in equal proportions to find reliable differences in their perceptions. Significant findings were attained after analysing the results: a) Different generations have similar perceptions about speed and rhythm at work; b) Technology encourages networks producing a lack of boundaries and it challenges traditional ways of work management. At first, this difference appears to be a generational perception but it is not; c) Net Generation is used to perform multitasking, as a method to deal with high speed and rhythm, while Boom Generation, in general, do not feel capable of doing it; d) Although most people agree with the Slow Movements philosophy, which stands for a reduction of speed and rhythm in life, they generally believe it is very hard to practice it as a standard way of living.