Generational Differences in Dimensions of Work Values among Nurses in Community General Hospital

Abstract

Generational differences in nurses’ work values introduce complexity in forming a unified nursing practice in a multi-generational healthcare setting. This study focused on the distinct work values—intrinsic, extrinsic, social, and prestige values of Generations X, Y and Z at Community General Hospital, filling the gap in understanding of how these values manifest across diverse cultural and organizational contexts of San Pablo City, Laguna. This study used an explanatory sequential mixed-method approach. The initial quantitative phase involved 101 registered nurses, representing 21 from Generation X, 40 from Generation Y, and 40 from Generation Z. Afterward, 12 purposively selected registered nurses were gathered for the qualitative phase. Quantitative data from an adapted Work Values Scale was statistically evaluated through weighted means and Kruskal-Wallis tests. This assessment revealed that while a core commitment to clinical competence, meaningful work, and patient care was steady across the entire nursing staff, individual generational cohorts possessed entirely different secondary motivations. Nurses from Generation Z were motivated primarily by the social and intrinsic values, with a strong emphasis on achieving career advancement and receiving peer mentoring. Nurses from Generation Y were motivated primarily by the financial stability that would come from their salary and benefits. Finally, Generation X emphasized workplace prestige, professional respect, and peer mentorship. Qualitative results corroborated these differences indicating that although nurses’ establish similar ethical standards, they interpret recognition and organizational support differently based on their career stage. The results of this study concluded that the hospital institution must rely on specialized values training and targeted team-dynamics initiatives to promote and build stronger collaboration and lower turnover rates. By addressing these generational differences, this research helps protect local healthcare sustainability and advances the goals of SDG 8 to build inclusive and resilient work environments.