The arrival of the generation Y: the managerial and organizational implications

Summary Aim: Generation Y applies to individuals born between 1977 and 1995. The emergence of this generation has brought new rules and values to society. Our intellectual contribution is to examine how this generation is likely to fundamentally change hospital management and hospital itself. Methods: This research is based on qualitative datas. 31 managers belonging to the french health care organizations have been interviewed. 14 of them form the basis of our sample. Results: Our study is examining the various generations currently working in hospitals to better understand the particular characteristics of generation Y. Their characteristics are coherent compared to the literature. The difficulties lie at the organizational level. Organizations are struggling to integrate young people and take advantage of their potential. Three cases could happen: the denial to change, the adaptation between young people and the organization, the creation of a relational organization adapted to their needs. Conclusion: Several items have been shown to alarm young people who appear rebellious to authority and can rapidly change their careers or companies. If this future appears exaggerated, generation Y might be able to transform management and organizations in health because of expectations that are different than those of previous generations. If the generation Y is not the main cause, it could be the release about it. Prat Organ Soins. 2012;43(1):25-33