An exploratory study of Generation X business leaders' core values

This qualitative exploratory research study examined the alignment of core values in a group of successful Gen X business leaders. Specifically, this study analyzed core values that tap into a particular generational cohort that witnessed the impact of vast technological advancements and globalization. An examination of the validity and reliability of an organization's core values, regardless of the content, was the primary purpose of this study. Thirty current Gen X business leaders from organizations highly ranked by the Los Angeles Business Journal's Top List (2006) volunteered their perceptions of and practices regarding core values through in-depth interviews using open-response questions. To meet the minimal demographic requirements in order to be included in this study, participants had to: (a) have been born between 1965 and 1976, (b) have held a leadership role over others within an organization for at least five years, and (c) have a minimum of five subordinates who report to them as their leader.;This research examined to what extent the content of core values related to a particular generational cohort and their organizations' perceptions of and practices regarding core values in the 21st century. The data collected from Gen X leaders provided narratives that unanimously confirmed the presence of a collaborative belief system. Furthermore, the findings showed that participants' practices strongly mirrored their organizations' espoused core values. Analysis of Gen X leaders' perceptions of and practices regarding core values revealed five conclusions: (a) they recognized that nurturing relationships maintained their organization's success; (b) they perceived integrity as a core value within their organization; (c) they practiced honor as a means to achieve organizational success; (d) they are service-oriented; and (e) the presence and alignment of a value system is crucial to success. The results revealed that a defined set of core values plays a key role in aligning perceptions to practices. The data from this study showed that Gen X leaders were instrumental in projecting an organization's core values into actual practices and meeting organizational benchmarks.