Long-term Motivation of Generation Y in Project Based Work Environments : A study of how project leaders can cope with motivational challenges concerning the most recent generation in the work force

Abstract: Background: There are often glitches in the leadership when a new generation enters the workforce (Gelbart & Komninos, 2012). As a result, researchers have often been concerned with how to best adapt leadership styles whenever a new generation joins the workforce. As life experience has a positive relationship with motivation, understanding the full view of the most recent generation becomes interesting since it will provide a foundation for motivational leadership (Lahoud, 2006). Finding a long-term motivation for the latest generation in the workforce, generation Y, may be difficult because of their perceived shortsightedness (Martin, 2005). In a project based environment work is done with a continuously changing temporary structure, which includes a fast pace, set time frames and demand for high results (Turner & Simister, 2004). It is pointed out that it is in times of rapid change that leadership takes on greater importance (Van Seters & Field, 1990). Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate how generation Y project leaders can ensure long-term motivation of generation Y associates in a project based work environment. By finding the triggers of long-term motivation of generation Y in project environments in Sweden we aim to contribute to future management and leaders within the project management field.  Method: In order to fulfill our purpose we used an abductive approach and gathered qualitative data by conducting in-depth interviews. The interview subject was either a project leader or an associate in a project based work environment. All of the interview subjects were working at companies situated in Stockholm, Sweden at the time of the interviews.      Conclusion: In conducting our research we have identified a set of different motivational factors, both on a day to day basis as well as long-term motivational factors. Some of the factors previously presented by researchers can be found in this study. However, instead of treating them as separate factors, a model for long-term motivation has been created where the relationship between the motivational factors was presented. The great importance of the Swedish context was further identified as a motivational factor existing throughout the long-term motivation model in project work environments.