Share:


What (de)motivates gen Z women and gen Z men at work? Comparative study of gender differences in the young generation’s motivation

Abstract

This study responds to the call for a more nuanced understanding of intragenerational variations and provides a detailed insight into how men and women in Generation Z perceive work motivation. Unlike most prior studies with a similar focus, this study is qualitative, employing a specific method of empathy-based stories (MEBS) to capture the (de)motivators in Gen Z directly through their native point of view. On a sample of 437 business students, the vast majority of whom reported having work experience, results reveal that Gen Z women pay significantly more attention to social aspects of interpersonal relationships at the workplace, intrinsic factors of having a dream job, low levels of routine, experiencing job success, and an extrinsic need to receive recognition for the work done, while Gen Z men are more attentive to the altruistic factor of making a meaningful difference at work, extrinsic factor of benefits, and leisure-related aspects of happy personal life and no stress at work. Findings inform evidence-based motivation policies, which may help target more precisely recruitment and motivation programs in companies.

Keyword : generation Z, gen Z, gender, women, men, motivation, demotivation, work values, MEBS

How to Cite
Lašáková, A., Vojteková, M., & Procházková, L. (2023). What (de)motivates gen Z women and gen Z men at work? Comparative study of gender differences in the young generation’s motivation. Journal of Business Economics and Management, 24(4), 771–796. https://doi.org/10.3846/jbem.2023.20439
Published in Issue
Dec 7, 2023
Abstract Views
2548
PDF Downloads
2212
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

References

Acker, J. (1990). Hierarchies, jobs, bodies: A theory of gendered organizations. Gender & Society, 4(2), 139–158. https://doi.org/10.1177/089124390004002002

Arora, S., Dubey, V., & Vyas, S. (2020). Study of work values of Gen Z students. International Journal of Technology and Globalisation, 8(3–4), 240–265. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJTG.2020.112179

Barhate, B., & Dirani, K. M. (2022). Career aspirations of generation Z: A systematic literature review. European Journal of Training and Development, 46(1/2), 139–157. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-07-2020-0124

Bieleń, M., & Kubiczek, J. (2020). Response of the labor market to the needs and expectations of Generation Z. E-mentor, 4(86), 87–94. https://doi.org/10.15219/em86.1486

Bohanek, J. G., & Fivush, R. (2010). Personal narratives, well-being, and gender in adolescence. Cognitive Development, 25(4), 368–379. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogdev.2010.08.003

Brinck, K. L., Hauff, S., & Kirchner, S. (2020). Is there a new meaning of work? The how and why of a change in altruistic work values in Germany between 1989 and 2016. Management Revue, 31(2), 167–187. https://doi.org/10.5771/0935-9915-2020-2-167

Causa, O., Abendschein, M., Luu, N., Soldani E & Soriolo, Ch. (2022). The post-COVID-19 rise in labour shortages (OECD Economics Department Working Papers, 1721). https://doi.org/10.1787/e60c2d1c-en

Cheung, C., & Scherling, S. A. (1999). Job satisfaction, work values, and sex differences in Taiwan’s organizations. Journal of Psychology: Interdisciplinary and Applied, 133(5), 563–575. https://doi.org/10.1080/00223989909599763

Chillakuri, B. (2020). Understanding Generation Z expectations for effective onboarding. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 33(7), 1277–1296. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOCM-02-2020-0058

Chrancokova, M., Weibl, G., & Dokupilova, D. (2020). The brain drain of people from Slovakia. In K. Hammes, M. Machrafi, V. Huzjan (eds.), Economic and social development: Book of proceedings (pp. 320–329).

Csank, P. A. R., & Conway, M. (2004). Engaging in self-reflection changes self-concept clarity: On differences between women and men, and low- and high-clarity individuals. Sex Roles, 50(7–8), 469–480. https://doi.org/10.1023/B:SERS.0000023067.77649.29

CVTI. (2021). Prehľad vysokých škôl. Centrum vedecko-technických informácií SR. https://www.cvtisr.sk/cvti-sr-vedecka-kniznica/informacie-o-skolstve/publikacie-casopisy.../zistovanie-kvalifikovanosti/prehlad-vysokych-skol.html?page_id=9573

De Cooman, R., & Dries, N. (2012). Attracting Generation Y: How work values predict organizational attraction in graduating students in Belgium. In Managing the new workforce (pp. 42–63). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9780857933010.00008

Deloitte (2022). Deloitte’s Gen Z and Millennial Survey reveals two generations striving for balance and advocating for change. https://www2.deloitte.com/cn/en/pages/about-deloitte/articles/deloittes-gen-z-and-millennial-survey-reveals-two-generations-striving-for-balance-and-advocating-for-change.html

Duffy, R. D., & Sedlacek, W. E. (2007). The work values of first‐year college students: Exploring group differences. The Career Development Quarterly, 55(4), 359–364. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-0045.2007.tb00090.x

Egerová, D., Komárková, L., & Kutlák, J. (2021). Generation Y and generation Z employment expectations: A generational cohort comparative study from two countries. E a M: Ekonomie a Management, 24(3), 93–109. https://doi.org/10.15240/tul/001/2021-03-006

Ettis, S. A. (2022). How do personal values help to build generation Y’s entrepreneurial intentions? The role of gender differences. Gender in Management: An International Journal, 37(1), 108–125. https://doi.org/10.1108/GM-02-2021-0035

Fratričová, J., & Kirchmayer, Z. (2018). Barriers to work motivation of Generation Z. Journal of Human Resource Management, 21(2), 28–39.

Ferenčíková, S. (2023). A hundred years of solitude and fight: careers in Slovakia across three generations in Central and Eastern Europe. In Understanding careers around the globe (pp. 203–212). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035308415.00032

Gilbert, G. R., Burnett, M. F., Phau, I., & Haar, J. (2010). Does gender matter? A review of work-related gender commonalities. Gender in Management: An International Journal, 25(8), 676–699. https://doi.org/10.1108/17542411011092336

Graczyk-Kucharska, M. & Erickson, S. (2020) A person-organization fit model of Generation Z: Preliminary studies. Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Innovation, 16(4), 149–176. https://doi.org/10.7341/20201645

Grow, J. & Yang, S. (2018). Generation-Z enters the advertising workplace: Expectations through a gendered lens. Journal of Advertising Education, 22(1), 7–22. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098048218768595

Halpern, D. F. (2005). How time-flexible work policies can reduce stress, improve health, and save money. Stress and Health, 21(3), 157–168. https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.1049

Hyrkäs, K., Appelqvist-Schmidlechner, K., & Kivimäki, K. (2005). First‐line managers’ views of the long‐term effects of clinical supervision: How does clinical supervision support and develop leadership in health care? Journal of Nursing Management, 13(3), 209–220. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2834.2004.00522.x

Janíčko, M., & Šímová, Z. (2021). The role of family background, education and life changes in the work values of men and women in the Czech Republic. Social Studies, 17(4), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.5817/SOC2021-15699

Jenkins, S. R. (1987). Need for achievement and women’s careers over 14 years: Evidence for occupational structure effects. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 53(5), 922–932. https://doi.org/10.1037//0022-3514.53.5.922

Jenkins, R. (2019). The generation Z guide. Ryan Jenkins LLC.

Johnson, M. K. (2001). Change in job values during the transition to adulthood. Work and Occupations, 28(3), 315–345. https://doi.org/10.1177/0730888401028003004

Kim, H., & Gong, Y. (2017). Effects of work–family and family–work conflicts on flexible work arrangements demand: A gender role perspective. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 28(20), 2936–2956. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2016.1164217

Kirchmayer, Z., & Fratričova, J. (2017). On the verge of generation Z: Career expectations of current university students. In Education excellence and innovation management through vision 2020 (pp. 1575–1583), IBIMA, Vienna, Austria.

Konrad, A. M., Ritchie, J. E., Jr., Lieb, P., & Corrigall, E. (2000). Sex differences and similarities in job attribute preferences: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 126(4), 593–641. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.126.4.593

Kultalahti, S (2017). Stories of engagement within Finnish Generation Y. Journal of Finish Studies, 20(2), 172–195. https://doi.org/10.5406/28315081.20.2.10

Kultalahti, S., & Viitala, R. L. (2014). Sufficient challenges and a weekend ahead – Generation Y describing motivation at work. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 27(4), 569–582. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOCM-05-2014-0101

Kultalahti, S., & Viitala, R. (2015). Generation Y – challenging clients for HRM? Journal of Managerial Psychology, 30(1), 101–114. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMP-08-2014-0230

Kupczyk, T., Rupa, P., Gross-Golacka, E., Urbanska, K. & Parkitna, A. (2021). Expectations and requirements of Generation Z towards salary. European Research Studies Journal, 24(4), 85–96. https://doi.org/10.35808/ersj/2564

Lalić, D., Stanković, J., Bošković, D., & Milić, B. (2019). Career expectations of generation Z. International joint conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management (pp. 52–59). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-43616-2_6

Lassleben, H., & Hofmann, L. (2023). Attracting Gen Z talents: Do expectations towards employers vary by gender? Gender in Management: An International Journal, 38(4), 545–560. https://doi.org/10.1108/GM-08-2021-0247

Lechner, C. M., Sortheix, F. M., Göllner, R., & Salmela-Aro, K. (2017). The development of work values during the transition to adulthood: A two-country study. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 99, 52–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2016.12.004

Lehtomäki, E., Janhonen-Abruquah, H., Tuomi, M. T., Okkolin, M. A., Posti-Ahokas, H., & Palojoki, P. (2014). Research to engage voices on the ground in educational development. International Journal of Educational Development, 35, 37–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2013.01.003

Lyons, S., Duxbury, L., & Higgins, C. (2005a). Are gender differences in basic human values a generational phenomenon? Sex Roles, 53(9–10), 763–778. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-005-7740-4

Lyons, S., Duxbury, L., & Higgins, C. (2005b, May 28–31). An empirical assessment of generational differences in work-related values. In Proceedings of the Administrative Sciences Association Canada (ASAC) Symposium (pp. 62–71), Toronto, Canada.

Maloni, M., Hiatt, M. S., & Campbell, S. (2019). Understanding the work values of Gen Z business students. The International Journal of Management Education, 17(3), Article 100320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2019.100320

Mesiäislehto, V., Katsui, H., & Sambaiga, R. (2021). Disparities in accessing sexual and reproductive health services at the intersection of disability and female adolescence in Tanzania. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), Article 1657. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041657

Neil, C. C., & Snizek, W. E. (1987). Work values, job characteristics, and gender. Sociological Perspectives, 30(3), 245–265. https://doi.org/10.2307/1389112

Ng, E. S., Posch, A., Köllen, T., Kraiczy, N., & Thom, N. (2022). Do “one-size” employment policies fit all young workers? Heterogeneity in work attribute preferences among the Millennial generation. BRQ Business Research Quarterly. https://doi.org/10.1177/23409444221085587

Ng, E. S., Schweitzer, L., & Lyons, S. T. (2010). New generation, great expectations: A field study of the millennial generation. Journal of Business and Psychology, 25, 281–292. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-010-9159-4

Ngoc, T. N., Dung, M. V., Rowley, C., & Bach, M. P. (2022) Generation Z job seekers’ expectations and their job pursuit intention: Evidence from transition and emerging economy. International Journal of Engineering Business Management, 14, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1177/18479790221112548

Ozkan, M., & Solmaz, B. (2015). The changing face of the employees – Generation Z and their perceptions of work (A study applied to university students). Procedia Economics and Finance, 26, 476–483. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2212-5671(15)00876-X

Rani, N., & Samuel, A. A. (2018). Understanding work values of Gen Y- A study on differences based on country of origin, gender and industry. International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 21(4), 558–582. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJBG.2018.095785

Reevy, G. M., & Maslach, C. (2001). Use of social support: Gender and personality differences. Sex Roles, 44, 437–459. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1011930128829

Risman, B. J. (2004). Gender as a social structure – Theory wrestling with activism. Gender & Society, 18(4), 429–450. https://doi.org/10.1177/0891243204265349

Samutachak, B., Darawuttimaprakorn, N., & Manajit, S. (2021). Dream life dream job: lifestyles that determine job search criteria of Generation Y college students in Thailand. International Journal of Business, 26(1), 61–83.

Sánchez-Hernández, M. I., González-López, Ó. R., Buenadicha-Mateos, M. & Tato-Jiménez, J. L. (2019). Work-life balance in great companies and pending issues for engaging new generations at work. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(24), Article 5122. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16245122

Särkelä, E., & Suoranta, J. (2020). The method of empathy-based stories as a tool for research and teaching. The Qualitative Report, 25(2), 399–415. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2020.4124

Seemiller, C. & Grace, M. (2019). Generation Z: A Century in the Making. Routledge.

Sharabi, M. (2014). Gender preferences of work values and the effect of demographic factors. International Journal of Interdisciplinary Organizational Studies, 8(2), 13–25. https://doi.org/10.1177/0730888493020001001

Sharabi, M., & Harpaz, I. (2013). Changes of work values in changing economy: Perspectives of men and women. International Journal of Social Economics, 40(8), 692–706. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSE-01-2012-0018

Silva, J., & Carvalho, A. (2021). The work values of Portuguese generation z in the higher education-to-work transition phase. Social Sciences, 10(8), Article 297. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci10080297

Song, Z., Yang, F., Boezeman, E. J., & Li, X. (2020). Do new-generation construction professionals be provided what they desire at work? A study on work values and supplies–values fit. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 27(10), 2835–2858. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-11-2019-0619

Sortheix, F. M., Dietrich, J., Chow, A., & Salmela-Aro, K. (2013). The role of career values for work engagement during the transition to working life. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 83(3), 466–475. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2013.07.003

Štefko, R., Bačík, R., Fedorko, R., Gavurová, B., Horváth, J., & Propper, M. (2017). Gender differences in the case of work satisfaction and motivation. Polish Journal of Management Studies, 16(1), 2015–2225. https://doi.org/10.17512/pjms.2017.16.1.18

Tien, H. -. S. (2011). An exploration of adult career interests and work values in Taiwan. Asia Pacific Education Review, 12(4), 559–568. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12564-011-9157-x

Tolbert, P. S., & Moen, P. (1998). Men’s and women’s definitions of “good” jobs: Similarities and differences by age and across time. Work and Occupations, 25(2), 168–194. https://doi.org/10.1177/0730888498025002003

Trentham, S., & Larwood, L. (1998). Gender discrimination and the workplace: An examination of rational bias theory. Sex Roles, 38(1–2), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018782226876

Uusiautti, S., Harjula, S., Pennanen, T., & Määttä, K. (2014). Novice teachers’ well-being at work. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 4(3), 177–186.

Vallerand, R. J., & Blssonnette, R. (1992). Intrinsic, extrinsic, and amotivational styles as predictors of behavior: A prospective study. Journal of Personality, 60(3), 599–620. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.1992.tb00922.x

Van Rossem, A. (2021). Introducing a cognitive approach in research about generational differences: The case of motivation. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 32(14), 2911–2951. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2019.1616592

Vanhuysse, P. (2023). A governance perspective on East Central Europe’s population predicament: Young exit, grey voice and lopsided loyalty. Vienna Yearbook of Population Research, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1553/p-5gkf-6kn3

Verniers, C., & Vala, J. (2018). Justifying gender discrimination in the workplace: The mediating role of motherhood myths. PLoS ONE, 13(1), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0190657

Wallin, A., Koro-Ljungberg, M., & Eskola, J. (2019). The method of empathy-based stories. International Journal of Research & Method in Education, 42(5), 525–535. https://doi.org/10.1080/1743727X.2018.1533937

Wallin, A., Pylväs, L., & Nokelainen, P. (2020). Government workers’ stories about professional development in a digitalized working life. Vocations and Learning, 13, 439–458. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12186-020-09248-y

Wayne, J. H., & Casper, W. J. (2016). Why having a family-supportive culture, not just policies, matters to male and female job seekers: An examination of work-family conflict, values, and self-interest. Sex Roles, 75(9–10), 459–475. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-016-0645-7

Weisgram, E. S., Dinella, L. M., & Fulcher, M. (2011). The role of masculinity/femininity, values, and occupational value affordances in shaping young men’s and women’s occupational choices. Sex Roles, 65(3), 243–258. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-011-9998-0

Williams, C. L., Muller, C., & Kilanski, K. (2012). Gendered organizations in the new economy. Gender & Society, 26(4), 549–573. https://doi.org/10.1177/0891243212445466

World Economic Forum. (2021). Chart: How Gen Z employment levels compare in OECD. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/03/gen-z-unemployment-chart-global-comparisons/

Zahari, S. N. S., & Puteh, F. (2023). Gen Z workforce and job-hopping intention: A study among university students in Malaysia. Sciences, 13(1), 902–927. https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v13-i1/15540