IBM is out to debunk myths about millennials. With so many out there, its study designed to do so is more of a starting point on debunking than the final word. But, given the depth of the research (nearly 2,000 respondents with one-on-one interviews and social media information collection included), the study's overarching theme is worth noting: millennials aren't much different than other generations in their hopes, dreams and expectations around work.

In fact, the results indicate that, if anything, today's young workers are pretty similar to their elders' outlook on work when they were young. They tend to seek direction from their bosses; they're mobile because they're ambitious to move beyond their initial jobs; they're moderately interested in social justice through work; they want to believe their bosses are ethical and fair and willing to be honest with them.

IBM's output, "Myths, Exaggerations and Uncomfortable Truths" concludes that the essential difference between the generations is that today's youth grew up with social media and "digital proficiency." Other than that, "for things like career goals, employee engagement, preferred leadership styles and recognition, the study shows that millennials share many of the same attitudes as Gen X and baby boomer employees," IBM states.