Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Abstract

This study investigated the possible relationships between parental generation, parenting style, gender, and the work ethic of the Millennial generation. Millennial participants’ work ethic was determined using the Multidimensional Work Ethic Profile (MWEP), with the Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ) being utilized to determine the parenting style experienced by the 385 participants that comprised the study sample. First, the study investigated the possible difference between parental generation and the work ethic of the Millennial. Second, the study explored the possible difference between parenting style experienced and the work ethic of the Millennial. Finally, the study examined the possible difference between gender of the Millennial participant and their work ethic. No significant results were found concerning parental generation and the work ethic of the Millennial. A statistically significant difference was reported between Millennials who experienced an authoritative style of parenting and those that had experienced a permissive style of parenting. Millennials experiencing an authoritative style of parenting reported higher work ethic scores than those experiencing authoritarian or permissive parenting styles. A significant difference was also discovered between the gender of the Millennial and their work ethic scores. This study found female Millennials to report higher work ethic scores than male Millennials. The findings of this study lend to exploration and further investigation into the Millennial generation, parenting style, and the influence that family has concerning the multidimensional nature of the work ethic construct.

Keywords: parental generation, parenting style, work ethic, gender, generation, Baby Boomer, Generation X, Millennial

Year manuscript completed

2021

Year degree awarded

2021

Author's Keywords

parental generation, parenting style, work ethic, gender, generation, Millennial

Dissertation Committee Chair

Samir Patel

Committee Member

Yuejin Xu

Committee Member

Rebecca Pender-Baum

Document Type

Dissertation

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