What does Generation Z expect from their future leaders?

Abstract

Purpose: The struggle for finding and keeping employees in European companies is in full swing. A new generation, Gen Z, is entering the workforce and companies have to provide their future employees with a fitting employer value proposition. This study attempts to shed light on Gen Z’s expectations, feelings and requirements from their future leaders, supervisors or managers. Design/methodology/approach: A mixed­methods approach was used, combining literature review, content analysis of job platforms, qualitative as well as quantitative methods. The main study comprises 550 pupils and students from Austrian education institutions, entering the labour market in a few years. Findings: The findings show a shift from ‘doing to being’, and from ‘managing to understanding’. Gen Z emphasizes social aspects like team spirit, working environment, and work­life­balance, but also job security, and flexibility. Gender and age group play differences exist. Originality: Primary research (qualitative and quantitative) was conducted to better understand a relatively new phenomenon. Findings are discussed in the light of established as well as emerging leadership theories.