Preferred methods of employee competences’ development – cross-generational differences

Abstract

Currently, competence management has become one of the critical instruments of HR management. Both management theoreticians and practitioners are focused on search for solutions facilitating competences’ identification and development. Efficiency of employees’ competences’ management may contribute e.g. to the implementation of programs supporting competence development. The objective of the present paper is the identification of differences in the preferred methods of competence development as regards employees of various age-representatives of the Generation Y, X, and Baby Boomers. On the basis of the study encompassing 2027 employees of large and medium companies, the preferred methods of competence development of employees in various age groups were indicated, and recommendations for HRM based on the observed differences were offered.