How do physicians from two generations communicate with each other?

Abstract

There is no leadership without communication. This is especially paramount in hospitals to guarantee optimal processes and teamwork. But do physicians belonging to younger generations, the so-called Generation Y, need another approach to leadership and communication? And does the concept of generations stand up to scientific standards? This study is based on a literature review on leadership communication in healthcare across generations and hierarchies and in-depth interviews with physicians from Swiss hospitals on communication. The thematic analysis of the interviews revealed four main fields of communication patterns: 1. Increasing demand for information and transparent communication; 2. Low power distance versus high power distance; 3. Feedback; and 4. leadership communication. Younger generations, so-called Digital Natives or the Generation Y, have an increased need for transparent communication and involvement in the process of decision-making. More than previous generations and based on flatter hierarchies, Generation Y dares more to question its boss and his or her decisions and expect at the same time more feedback. New forms of leadership are needed to optimize communication between the generations and prepare young physicians for the increasing demands of more complex healthcare systems.