Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, have frequently been branded as lazy, disinterested, and rigid, a negative stereotype that a recent global report argues is far from the truth. This demographic, which will represent 27% of the global workforce by 2025, is often criticized for a perceived lack of professional qualities and a preoccupation with unrealistic desires that supposedly make them unfit for the working world.
However, as the latest report from BCW, a premier integrated communications agency, highlights, these young individuals are anything but lacking in ambition and focus. BCW’s comprehensive research, involving members from different generations around the globe, has shed light on the defining values of Generation Z, turning preconceived notions on their head.
Conducted through a series of interviews with diverse groups including millennials, Generation X, baby boomers, and members of the silent generation, the study reveals that most people are social creatures, inherently wired to cooperate and avoid conflict, regardless of their generation. These individuals adhere to values such as benevolence, universalism, and security, although disparities between countries and generations are evident.
Contrary to popular belief, Generation Z members are more ambitious and driven than they’re given credit for. They value power, success, and hedonism. In fact, 44% of respondents in this age group express the importance of achieving success and gaining recognition for their efforts, compared to only 37% of millennials and a mere 13% of baby boomers.
This generational gap in values can, in part, be attributed to the influential role of social media in young people’s lives. In societies profoundly digitized, the success stories of peers are constantly broadcasted on social platforms, allowing for a glimpse into the highlights of others’ lives. As a result, it’s hardly surprising that younger generations are so focused on realizing and being seen to realize, their highest potential.
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But ambition does not translate into an imbalanced life for Generation Z. They yearn for a better balance between their professional and personal lives, seeking jobs that stimulate them and bring them pleasure. Forty-three percent of young people surveyed attach significance to engaging in activities that bring them joy, something organizations should consider if they wish to remain appealing to this generation.
These revelations give a new perspective on Generation Z, shifting the narrative from disinterested youths to ambitious, success-driven individuals. This report underscores the importance of shedding biases and understanding Generation Z on their own terms, an approach crucial to fostering harmonious generational coexistence in an evolving world.
The original news article is based on the Malaymail website.
