The generation for change: Millennial, their career orientation, and role innovation

In this research study, Millennials' career orientations and their role innovation behaviors were investigated. As the largest generation in the current United States (U.S.) workforce, Millennials have unique concerns about their careers and are likely to approach their roles in organizations differently than did prior generations. Results from a survey suggest that Millennials tend to hold stronger career anchors and engage more in role innovation than non-Millennial workers. Meanwhile, an emphasis on role-related career anchors increases role innovation. Further, being a Millennial is found to moderate the effects of certain career anchors on role innovation. Implications of these findings to the literature and management practice, as well as directions to future research, are discussed.