Donna Biggart
Caucasian
Female
61 Years Old
Philadelphia, MS
Interview by: Megan Henley
1. What are the historical influences on this generation?
The Great Depression followed by World War II had ended. Rationing of everything from gasoline to sugar was over. Industry boomed. Veterans (parents of baby boomers) went to college on the GI Bill.
2. What impact did these historical influences have on this generation?
More people went to college, but many went to work in industry (factories) with high school or less education.
3. What are the core values of this generation?
Strong work ethic, family oriented, deeply religious
4. What was/is the family experience like for this generation?
I grew up in rural Mississippi. Of the 40 children in my class at elementary school, not a single one had divorced parents. Most of the mothers stayed home, although mine worked in a factory. Children did chores, usually did not get an allowance, and when they misbehaved, got “whipped” by teachers, principals, and most certainly parents. We respected our parents, teachers, and anyone in authority.
5. What is the value of education for this generation?
6. What was the school day like for this generation?
It was long and by today’s standards, boring. Much of our learning was by rote. NO computers, television or videos in class, no copy machines, overhead projectors. No gadgets. Recess was a big event. We played chase, dodge ball and other physical activities.
7. What did/does this generation think of their teachers?
We respected them. We admired them.
8. What role did extracurricular activities play in this generation’s school day/life?
In elementary school, we had no extracurricular activities. In high school, we had a basketball team, football, cheerleading, Beta Club and numerous others, but most were a part of the school day, and nothing was all consuming like the activities of today’s children.
9. What is the work ethic of this generation?
Generally speaking, we respect authority, are punctual—to the extent that we are early to work. We expect to be busy while at work, and strive to do things right and to do the right thing.
10. Who worked? Why? What impact did that have on future generations?
Fathers worked at jobs. Mothers stayed home and worked. They kept house without automatic washers and dryers or permanent press clothes. There were no microwaves. In my case, we grew our own food, canned or froze it, and made meals from “scratch”.
11. What is this generation’s view of organizational management /charts? What is this generation’s view of respect for authority?
12. What is this generation’s view of time at work?
Time at work should be spent working, and long hours expected.
13. How does workplace skills or training look like for this generation?
Many companies expected to train their employees in required skills. Girls generally were expected to acquire secretarial skills. Fewer women worked outside the home and women’s Lib was just beginning. There was a pronounced difference in salaries for males and females even in the same jobs.
14. What does this generation’s views on work life and balance of family?
Work was seen as necessary to survival. Family was “worked in” after obligations were met.
15. What is this generation’s work ethic and values? See #9
16. What is this generation’s preferred work environment?
Structured, controlled, orderly, top down management style
17. What did this generation look for in a job?
Security, permanence, long term benefits…a career for life.
18. What assets does this generation bring to the workplace?
Stability, loyalty, competence, integrity
19. What liabilities does this generation bring to the workplace?
Resistance to change, inability to multi-task, reluctance to embrace technology.
20. What are the keys to remember when working with this generation?
Treat with respect, acknowledge differences, tap in on strengths.
21. What is this generation’s leadership style?
Although a variety could be found throughout my career, I found most to be an authoritative top-down organization in my corporate experience.
22. What is this generation’s interactive style?
More formal communication, less interaction, more autonomy
23. What is this generation’s view on:
a. Technology Feared, resisted, tolerated, then embraced in different degrees
b. Communication Like more formal, less e-mail, texting,
c. Feedbacks and rewards Enjoys feedback, but does not require constant. Does not depend on rewards to function.
24. What is this generation’s view of retirement? Expects to be able to “take it easy” in old age when no longer able to work. Wants to remain active as long as possible.
Ask these people what were their education struggles and successes? Who was their favorite teacher? Why? If they could change one thing, what would it be? You
I had many favorite teachers. I especially liked the strict ones who made me work hard and did not allow any foolishness from students. I can still picture the classrooms of my elementary school and remember the teachers and things I learned from them. The austerity of those rooms is in marked contrast to the multi-faceted environments of today’s students. The teachers controlled the classrooms, and I loved and respected them.
I felt like I was loved and respected too, and the only reward I remember getting was their recognition.
I was an honor student. My family could not afford college. I skipped 11th grade to graduate from high school a year early and I was married at 17. Marriage straight out of high school was very common in those days. If I could change one thing, I would complete the college degree through night classes that I only half finished.
