DELHI: India's millennial generation displays contradictory behaviour, being intent on sharing everything at the same time as taking a determinedly individual approach to many aspects of their lives, new research has said
This 'millennial paradox' was highlighted in the latest quarterly report from Titan Company's Paradox Panel, a think tank convened to research, debate and develop insights into India's 21-35 year-olds.
The attitude was perfectly illustrated in millennials' approach to travel, according to S. Ravi Kant, evp/corporate communications, Titan Company. "They religiously crowdsource insights and opinions before deciding on a journey or destination," he said, "but what they are ultimately seeking is an experience that's completely individual and unique."
The Panel cited a range of research sources including one that showed 78% of millennials would prefer to learn something new when travelling, while 70% expected special places to offer a hands-on experience. As Kant observed, this reflected "a shift from travelling to witness or experience to travelling to participate".
But a desire to travel was not purely for the joy of seeing different cultures and joining in local experiences – over 90% strongly agreed that "being well travelled is a competitive advantage in the workplace", bringing an appreciation of diversity and helping to build confidence.
And millennials have high expectations of work: most regard a job as something that should help them pursue their passion (83%). Further, 37% anticipate being in a management position within one year of graduating, while 25% see themselves in senior management positions or running their own business within two years. Most (70%) see themselves working independently as entrepreneurs 'at some point' in their lives.
Beyond their personal goals, there was a widespread belief among millennials that business could have a positive effect on a range of societal issues, such as resource scarcity (56%), climate change (55%) and income inequality (49% ).
"India's millennials are applying the same values and logic to work as to their lives outside the office," Kant concluded.
This 'millennial paradox' was highlighted in the latest quarterly report from Titan Company's Paradox Panel, a think tank convened to research, debate and develop insights into India's 21-35 year-olds.
The attitude was perfectly illustrated in millennials' approach to travel, according to S. Ravi Kant, evp/corporate communications, Titan Company. "They religiously crowdsource insights and opinions before deciding on a journey or destination," he said, "but what they are ultimately seeking is an experience that's completely individual and unique."
The Panel cited a range of research sources including one that showed 78% of millennials would prefer to learn something new when travelling, while 70% expected special places to offer a hands-on experience. As Kant observed, this reflected "a shift from travelling to witness or experience to travelling to participate".
But a desire to travel was not purely for the joy of seeing different cultures and joining in local experiences – over 90% strongly agreed that "being well travelled is a competitive advantage in the workplace", bringing an appreciation of diversity and helping to build confidence.
And millennials have high expectations of work: most regard a job as something that should help them pursue their passion (83%). Further, 37% anticipate being in a management position within one year of graduating, while 25% see themselves in senior management positions or running their own business within two years. Most (70%) see themselves working independently as entrepreneurs 'at some point' in their lives.
Beyond their personal goals, there was a widespread belief among millennials that business could have a positive effect on a range of societal issues, such as resource scarcity (56%), climate change (55%) and income inequality (49% ).
"India's millennials are applying the same values and logic to work as to their lives outside the office," Kant concluded.
Data sourced from Titan Company; added content by Warc staff
