Abstract
This study focuses on the two variables mentioned above, generational diversity and cultural diversity, and will explore the attitudes and values held by the Gen Y with Confucian backgrounds as a workforce, and will examine how they react to the implementation of empowerment within the service industry. In particular, the central theme of this paper is to explore the cultural background and generational backgrounds that are contrary to employee empowerment, to determine the influences that are provided by the variables on the working values of the individuals, because this is an area where previous studies are unclear. This research aims to increase the understanding of the relationship between the different human resource variables and the implementation of specific managerial instruments. The principal aims of the thesis are: 1) to explore the effects given by Confucianism as a cultural background and the Gen Y as a generational background on the perceptions, values and attitudes of East Asian employees working in the service industry of Australia, and 2) to explore how they react toward employee empowerment. For the purpose of clarifying the critical issue above, semi-structured interviews were conducted. The findings of the research demonstrate that Gen Y values have considerable influences to Confucian Gen Y employees as higher individualistic sense was presented by the interviewees compare to the general Confucian employees, and a strong interest was shown by them to employee empowerment. On the other hand, however, Confucianism still dominants the mind of the cohort, which showed a less obvious but decisive influence to them when potential threats to the basic Confucian values were detected. It is assumed that the co-existence of the two values on the cohort is still evolving and further research is recommended on certain directions.