Generational Kinetics: Assessing Inter-Generational Cohort Behavior towards Garnering Financial Information for Generation X, Millennials and Generation Z from Information Channels for Investment Decision Making

Abstract

Generational studies are relevant to understanding the parameters which impact individual behavior for investment. Demographic segmentation based on birth cohorts factor underlying influences which impact individual behavior. Generation studies factor in changes of experiences and events which impact cohort characteristics. Generational kinetics transcribes the constant changes which impact individuals across age groups. This paper assesses the changes in cohort behavior for garnering financial information across Generation X, Millennials and Generation Z. Each cohort based on their influences of technological development has shown varied propensity to information channels they find relevant for financial decision making. This is relevant as each cohort has been exposed to varied societal changes over time. The assessment of individual behavior through the generational lens is significant in two ways- individual financial investment is critical to economic growth and flow of money in the economy. Individual investment is also impacted by the socio-economic changes that an individual encounters.  Strauss - Howe’s generational theory factors each cohort as around twenty years, with each generation sharing traits and behaviors which are based on experiences and unique and how each generational cohort gives rise to another. Generations are constantly evolving forming the basis of generational kinetics - each generation giving rise to another. India is a booming and fast growing economy with significant exposure to European and global business and markets. Hence, generational studies on cohort’s investment behavior in India is relevant.