A LOOK AT GENERATIONS: GEN Z AND ITS EXPECTATIONS OF LEADERSHIP
A LOOK AT GENERATIONS: GEN Z AND ITS EXPECTATIONS OF LEADERSHIP

Summary/Abstract: The emergence of Generation Z (Gen Z) on the labour market has had a major impact both on the economy and on the working life itself. Generation Z, born from the mid-1990s onwards, shows many differences to previous generations. With the Baby Boomers and Generation Z, two generations that could not be more different are coming together on the labour market. The Boomers, who grew up in prosperity, have lived by the motto ‘live to work’, Generation Z on the other hand, fits in best somewhere between smartphones and social media. The guiding priciple of this generation is: ‘Here is work, there is my life’. In order to remain competitive, companies and managers in particular must adapt to the new generation and their values. The present work provides a detailed overview of the last four generations and highlights different approaches that leaders should consider when working with Gen Z. The literature search is based on sources from journals, textbooks, studies and online articles. Generation Z represents a new type of employees for most companies. They reject work-life blending and because of their so called ‘helicopter parents’ are often not self-reliant. But Generation Z still has a significant role to play in the future: at 19.7%, this generation proves to be the largest age group as of December 31, 2023. An open and modern corporate and leadership culture is needed in which achievement is recognized. Rigid hierarchies and orders given by superiors no longer work in the same way. The optimal manager of today should lead at eye level and act more as a mentor rather than a boss. Recognition, open communication and honesty are the most important demands that Gen Z places on leaders. Because of the strong urge for self-determination, important factors in the management of Gen Z are also the promotion of responsibility and the ability to share one’s own ideas. Successful leaders of the future should be both team coaches and facilitators; a large range of skills and knowledge, good communication skills and flexibility are also a prerequite.

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