Major Factors That Influence Employment Decisions of Generation X Consulting Enginers

Abstract: This article reports on research findings and implications for practice based on a study of the factors influencing employment decisions of Generation X consulting engineers. The recruitment of young engineers has traditionally been troublesome for small engineering consulting firms. Although much has been written about Generation X, there has been an absence of rigorous examination of Generation X engineers and virtually nothing of Generation X engineers in small consulting engineering firms. In addition, there is little empirically based guidance provided for small consulting engineering firms desiring to recruit and retain Generation X engineers; therefore, this study was undertaken to examine the perspective of Generation X consulting engineers in making their initial employment decision to work in a small consulting engineering firm in lieu of other potential job opportunities. The study was empirically based and used a rigorous approach that resulted in several themes derived from factors that influenced employment decisions. The article is organized to provide an overview of the recruiting problem faced by small consulting engineering firms, briefly describe the research approach, present findings of the research, and synthesize practical guidance for practicing engineering managers faced with recruiting, managing, and retaining Generation X engineers.