| The perceptions of three generations of knowledge workers (Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Gen Y) towards management collaboration in physical and virtual environments were explored in this qualitative study using an exploratory case study method. The researcher examined collaboration tools, management processes, deficiencies, and best practices used by different generations of knowledge workers. This analysis included the data collected from face-to-face interviews and surveys administered to knowledge worker senior managers, project managers, first-line supervisors, team-leads, and interns of a defense-contracting firm located in Alabama using NVivo 10RTM software. The results of this research could encourage other organizations and areas of industry to investigate additional collaboration concerns or suggestions, which have the potential for making organizations successful within any industry as a knowledge worker generation retires and exits the workforce, and a new generation of knowledge workers enters the workforce. The case study involved Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), a Fortune 500 Company, and a leading defense-contracting firm supporting Department of Defense (DOD) clients. The company employs generations of knowledge workers, all interacting differently within varying collaboration environments to include both physical and virtual boundaries. The exploratory case study method helped to identify how different generations of knowledge workers still employed by SAIC work in partnership to support DOD customers through different methods of collaboration. |
