Rebels without a cause? A study about generations, diversity climate and work attitude

Drawing from the literature on diversity management, identity theory and work attitudes, in this study we investigate the link between employeesʼ perception of diversity climate and their work attitudes (engagement, and change attitude). In carrying out this analysis, we focus on how employeesʼ age can influence the relationship between individual perception of diversity climate and work attitudes. We tested our hypotheses on a sample of 319 employees belonging to a multinational consultancy company in Italy. Our results support the view that the perception of diversity climate increases work engagement and change oriented OCB (Organizational Citizen Behavior), and that age is a positive moderating factor. In particular we discovered that these relationships are even more negative for employees belonging to generation Y with respect to older ones. This study contributes to the debate on how diversity climate can influence positive work attitudes. Moreover, it contributes to the debate on diversity neutrality within generations, by providing empirical support to the role of younger generations.