A Phenomenological Study of Leadership Preferences and Aspirations, Mental and Physical Wellbeing, and Diversity of Adult Working Members of Generation Z
A Phenomenological Study of Leadership Preferences and Aspirations, Mental and Physical Wellbeing, and Diversity of Adult Working Members of Generation Z
Jake Aguas | 2024
Abstract
The demographic composition of the workforce continues to change, and more generational cohorts are working together than ever before. Generation Z is a developing generation, and its adult working members (22-27 years of age) are establishing their career trajectories. The generational group has faced a unique grouping of lived experiences that have shaped its perception of leadership, mental and physical wellbeing, and diversity in the workplace. The COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of social media, the presidential elections, technology, and the Great Recession of 2008 have influenced Generation Z’s worldview. This phenomenological study aimed to identify the key leadership preferences, leadership aspirations, and perceptions of leadership support for mental and physical wellbeing and diversity in the workplace among adult working members of Generation Z. Based on a qualitative research design, analysis, and theming of 16 one-on-one interviews, the study found that Generation Z preferred and aspired to practice leadership qualities, attributes, and behaviors categorized into three distinct genres: relationship-focused, character-driven, and action-oriented. The study posited that adult working members of Generation Z valued leadership that supported mental and physical wellbeing through healthy work–life balance, empathy, and flexibility. Generation Z sought leadership that shared its vision of a workplace rich in diversity of thought, race and ethnicity, personality dimensions, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Inspiring Generation Z via an authentic and supportive leadership praxis provided organizations with a competitive advantage in an increasingly complex workplace landscape and produced benefits that increased employee morale, retention, performance, creativity and innovation, and reduced employee turnover and intergenerational conflict.