An examination of the preferred modes of communication within age groups in the workforce

We need to develop and rewrite the below into a proposal. The word count and the topics are below. The writer will need to do research, find references to support this, and flush this out. 

Title: An examination of the preferred modes of communication within age groups in the workforce

Section One: Problem Definition and Objectives, Research Question – 300 words

Problem Definition:
Effective communication plays a pivotal role in organizational success, and understanding the preferred modes of communication within age groups in the workforce is essential for fostering collaboration and productivity. This dissertation aims to explore the communication preferences of different age groups, including baby boomers, Generation X, and younger generations, specifically focusing on conversations, visual aids, and short text messages. By addressing this knowledge gap, the study seeks to provide valuable insights into intergenerational communication dynamics in the workplace.

Research Question:
What are the preferred modes of communication within age groups in the workforce, specifically focusing on conversations, visual aids, and short text messages?

Research Objectives:

1. To determine the preferred modes of communication among different age groups in the workforce.
2. To compare the communication preferences among baby boomers, Generation X, and younger generations.
3. To examine the implications of communication preferences for intergenerational collaboration in the workplace.
4. To provide practical recommendations for organizations to improve intergenerational communication.

Section Two: Literature Review (Approximately 1200 words)

The literature review will encompass the following key areas:

1. Communication in the Workplace:

   • Importance of effective communication for organizational success.
   • The role of communication in fostering collaboration and productivity.

2. Intergenerational Communication:

   • Understanding intergenerational differences in communication styles.
   • Challenges and opportunities in intergenerational communication.
   • Impact of intergenerational communication on organizational dynamics.

3. Baby Boomers and Communication Preferences:

   • Characteristics and communication preferences of the baby boomer generation.
   • Preferences for face-to-face conversations in the workplace.
   • Factors influencing communication preferences among baby boomers.

4. Generation X and Communication Preferences:

   • Characteristics and communication preferences of Generation X employees.
   • Preference for visual aids and technology-mediated communication.
   • Factors influencing communication preferences among Generation X.

5. Younger Generations and Communication Preferences:

   • Characteristics and communication preferences of younger generations (e.g., millennials, Gen Z).
   • Preference for short text messages and digital communication platforms.
   • Factors influencing communication preferences among younger generations.

Section Three: Methodology (Approximately 400 words)

Research Design:
This study will adopt a mixed-methods research design. The qualitative component will involve in-depth interviews and focus groups to gain insights into participants’ communication preferences. The quantitative component will employ a survey questionnaire to gather data on the frequency and mode of communication used by different age groups.

Justification of Methods:
The combination of qualitative and quantitative methods will provide a comprehensive understanding of the preferred modes of communication within age groups. The qualitative data will facilitate an in-depth exploration of participants’ experiences and perspectives, while the quantitative data will enable statistical analysis and comparisons.

Sampling:
The study will employ a purposive sampling technique to select participants from different age groups within various organizations. A diverse sample of baby boomers, Generation X employees, and younger generations will be included to ensure representation from different sectors and job roles.

Section Four: Timeline (no word count)

August:

• Refine the research question and finalize research objectives.
• Conduct a thorough literature review and identify key sources.
• Develop interview and survey protocols.

September:

• Seek ethical approval for the research study.
• Conduct pilot interviews and surveys to test the instruments.
• Begin data collection for interviews and surveys.

October:

• Complete data collection for interviews and surveys.
• Transcribe and analyze qualitative data.
• Clean and analyze quantitative data.

November:

• Conduct comparative analysis of data.
• Interpret and discuss the findings in relation to the research question.
• Develop practical recommendations for organizations.

December:

• Write the dissertation chapters, including introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, discussion, and conclusion.
• Revise and edit the dissertation.

Section Five: Limitations or Risks Assumed with the Research (Approximately 100 words)

Potential limitations of this study include:

• Generalizability: The findings may be specific to the selected sample and may not be applicable to all age groups and industries.
• Self-reporting Bias: Participants’ responses may be influenced by social desirability bias, leading to potential discrepancies between stated preferences and actual behaviors.
• Time Constraints: The timeline for data collection may limit the depth and breadth of the study.
• Changing Communication Landscape: Communication preferences and technologies are subject to change, and the study’s findings may have a limited shelf life.