IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/ora/journl/v33y2024i1p645-654.html

Adapting Leadership Development For Smes In The Era Of Remote Work From The Perspective Of Generation Z: Modern Approaches And Challenges

Author

Listed:
  • Judit TÖRÖK-KMOSKÓ

    (PhD student, University of Debrecen, Faculty of Economics and Business, Károly Ihrig Doctoral School of Management and Business, Debrecen, Hungary)

  • Krisztina DAJNOKI

    (University Professor, University of Debrecen, Faculty of Economics and Business, Debrecen, Hungary)

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of remote work on leadership development within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly examining how the expectations and skills of Generation Z play a role. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote work, underscoring the urgent need to address the unique challenges faced by SMEs through targeted leadership training programs. Effectively addressing these challenges requires a nuanced understanding of Generation Z’s perspective, which is essential for devising strategies that align with the dynamics of remote work. The widespread use of digital tools has revolutionized communication and management practices, presenting both opportunities and challenges for leaders, especially when catering to the preferences of Generation Z. Online training emerges as a cornerstone for nurturing effective leadership in virtual environments, offering flexibility and accessibility that resonate with the digital-native Generation Z. Generation Z’s values, including efficiency, supportive leadership, and work-life balance, significantly shape their expectations of leadership roles within SMEs. Through a comprehensive analysis of empirical data and practical insights, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of how leadership development initiatives can evolve in response to changing work paradigms. A case study illustrating an SME’s successful adaptation of leadership development to remote work offers valuable lessons and actionable insights for similar organizations. Recommendations underscore the importance of innovative, inclusive, and flexible program designs tailored specifically to the needs and demographics of SMEs. In conclusion, this study offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of online leadership development programs, with the overarching goal of empowering SMEs to thrive in tomorrow’s workplace.

Suggested Citation

  • Judit TÖRÖK-KMOSKÓ & Krisztina DAJNOKI, 2024. "Adapting Leadership Development For Smes In The Era Of Remote Work From The Perspective Of Generation Z: Modern Approaches And Challenges," Annals of Faculty of Economics, University of Oradea, Faculty of Economics, vol. 33(1), pages 645-654, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:ora:journl:v:33:y:2024:i:1:p:645-654
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://anale.steconomiceuoradea.ro/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/AUOES.July_.2024.68.pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ludivine Martin & Laetitia Hauret & Chantal Fuhrer, 2022. "Digitally transformed home office impacts on job satisfaction, job stress and job productivity. COVID-19 findings," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(3), pages 1-23, March.
    2. Gabrielova, Karina & Buchko, Aaron A., 2021. "Here comes Generation Z: Millennials as managers," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 64(4), pages 489-499.
    3. Ravikiran Dwivedula & Poonam Singh & Mehran Azaran, 2019. "Gen Z: Where are we now, and future pathways," Journal of Human Resource Management, Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Management, vol. 22(2), pages 28-40.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Aurora Eleonora TWAROWSKI & Nicolae BIBU & Laura BRANCU, 2024. "New Management Paradigms Determined By The Pandemic: The Digital Revolution In The Opera Sector," Annals of Faculty of Economics, University of Oradea, Faculty of Economics, vol. 33(1), pages 655-660, July.
    2. Chaojun Li & Xinjia Huang, 2022. "How Does COVID-19 Risk Perception Affect Wellness Tourist Intention: Findings on Chinese Generation Z," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-20, December.
    3. André Spithoven & Bruno Merlevede, 2025. "The socio-economic consequences of remote working: evidence from the European administrations in Brussels," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 74(1), pages 1-23, March.
    4. Fiena Rasulia & Noermijati & Desi Tri Kurniawati, 2025. "The influence of hybrid working model on employee performance with the mediation of remote management and effective monitoring: study at PT PLN (Persero)," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 14(3), pages 53-59, April.
    5. Godfred Anakpo & Zanele Nqwayibana & Syden Mishi, 2023. "The Impact of Work-from-Home on Employee Performance and Productivity: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-18, March.
    6. Shwetha M. Krishna & Somya Agrawal, 2024. "Creative Performance of Millennials and Generation Z: What Matters More, Intrinsic or Extrinsic Rewards?," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-31, December.
    7. Mayuri Srivastava & Shradha Shivani & Sraboni Dutta, 2024. "An empirical contribution towards measuring Sustainability-oriented Entrepreneurial Intentions: A Study of Indian Youth," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(3), pages 7319-7345, March.
    8. Fritz Jeffry Z. Briones, 2024. "Calbayog City: Filipino Leader’s Business Wisdom and Management Insights for Guiding Aspiring Gen Z and Millennial Professional," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 8(8), pages 4227-4238, August.
    9. Osorio, María Lucila & Madero, Sergio, 2025. "Explaining Gen Z’s desire for hybrid work in corporate, family, and entrepreneurial settings," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 68(1), pages 83-93.
    10. Wang, Sheng & Hu, Changya & Pham, Mai & Yu, Hsiang Pin, 2025. "Encouraging newcomer voice through mentoring support: The mediating role of trust and the moderating role of power distance orientation," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).
    11. Abdul Kadir Othman & Norreha Othman & Wan Edura Wan Rashid & Shamsul Baharin Saihani & Zaharah Zainal Abidin & Mas Anom Abdul Rashid & Mohd Khirzanbadzli A Rahman & Mohd Ali Bahari Abdul Kadir, 2024. "The Mismatch between Individual Values and Organizational Values among Different Generations in the Workplace," Information Management and Business Review, AMH International, vol. 16(3), pages 211-218.
    12. Utkarsh Nigoti & Rajasekhar David & Sharda Singh & Rajesh Jain & Nitin Madan Kulkarni, 2025. "Does Flexibility Really Matter to Employees? A Mixed Methods Investigation of Factors Driving Turnover Intention in the Context of the Great Resignation," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 26(1), pages 187-208, March.
    13. Mihail Ovidiu Tănase & Puiu Nistoreanu & Răzvan Dina & Bogdan Georgescu & Virgil Nicula & Cosmin Nicolae Mirea, 2023. "Generation Z Romanian Students’ Relation with Rural Tourism—An Exploratory Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-21, May.
    14. Bharat Chillakuri, 2020. "Examining the Role of Supervisor Support on Generation Z's Intention to Quit," American Business Review, Pompea College of Business, University of New Haven, vol. 23(2), pages 408-430.
    15. Chung-Khain Wye & Elya Nabila Abdul Bahri, 2025. "Explaining English proficient Asian international students’ willingness to stay in Japan upon their graduation: the role of skills proficiency," International Journal of Economic Policy Studies, Springer, vol. 19(2), pages 401-434, August.
    16. Fajar Fili Andri & Wahdiyat Moko, 2024. "The influence of transformational leadership on employee performance across generations (Gen X, Gen Y, Gen Z) with employee motivation as a mediating variable Case study at PT. BCA, Tbk. regional office VII, Malang City, East Java," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 13(9), pages 69-77, December.
    17. Camelia Surugiu & Marius-Răzvan Surugiu & Cătălin Grădinaru & Ana-Maria Grigore, 2025. "Factors Motivating Generation Z in the Workplace: Managerial Challenges and Insights," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-24, January.
    18. Sophie Agulhon & Gerardo Romo Morales, 2024. "Worry as the new normal. Generation Z facing its future through the educational process," Post-Print hal-04836005, HAL.
    19. Ademi Lutfije & Zeqiri Jusuf & Klopotan Igor, 2026. "Decoding Generation Z Purchase Intention: The Impact of Brand Awareness, Brand Equity, Digital Media Content and Emotions," Business Systems Research, Sciendo, vol. 17(1), pages 18-36.
    20. repec:bum:cactus:v:6:y:2024:i:1:p:5-15 is not listed on IDEAS
    21. Rifqi Ahmaddzun Nadhor & Sri Palupi Prabandari & Desi Tri Kurniawati, 2025. "The impact of information technology and organizational culture on employee performance: The mediating role of job satisfaction and the moderating role of technology-task fit," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 14(5), pages 125-141, July.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:ora:journl:v:33:y:2024:i:1:p:645-654. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catalin ZMOLE The email address of this maintainer does not seem to be valid anymore. Please ask Catalin ZMOLE to update the entry or send us the correct address (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://edirc.repec.org/data/feoraro.html .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.