A Preliminary Exploration of Generational Similarities and Differences in Values between the US, UK, Iceland, Japan, Korea, Colombia and the Philippines

Generational similarities and differences among working adults in the United States, United Kingdom, Iceland, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Colombia were investigated using the Rokeach Value Survey (RVS). Hypotheses were supported for cross-cultural generational differences for 23 of 36 values; there were also generational similarities. Sixteen values were ranked similarly for the 40+ year-old generation; thirteen values were ranked similarly for the 18 to 29 year-old generation; and 13 values were ranked similarly for the 30 to 39 year olds. This study is one of the first to identify values that are similar across cross-cultural generations in Western, Eastern, South American, and European cultures. Implications of these results to managers, businessmen, marketers and entrepreneurs were also explained.