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A scoping review on Generation Z’s leadership experience and expectations

Author

Listed:
  • Deniz DÄ°RÄ°K

    (Department of Management, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa/Turkey)

  • Ahenk AKTAN

    (Department of Management, Izmir University of Economics, Izmir/Türkiye)

  • Ömer ATEÅžCÄ°

    (Department of Management, Manisa Celal Bayar Unviersity, Manisa /Turkey)

Abstract

For contemporary leadership and workplace, the entry of Generation Z, those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, presents both challenges and opportunities. Gen-Z represents the latest generation to enter workforce and with their numbers increasing, they will soon overtake key leadership positions in the workforce. In the meantime, their leadership expectations, preferences, and leadership styles are displaying marked differences from other generational cohorts in the labor market, and these are evolving along with the realities of the new world of work shaped by rapidly emerging technologies. This study provides a current literature review on Gen-Z and leadership nexus and complements this qualitative approach with a bibliometric analysis of the evidence on the topic. We provide a thematic map of the existing literature on Gen-Z and leadership by demonstrating key research areas, trending topics while identifying the most forthcoming leadership styles and preferences for Gen-Z members, and areas worthy of future investigation. 146 papers that are indexed in Scopus are included in the analysis without any temporal restrictions. Using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny, the research identified key publication trends, influential authors, contributing regions, most cited research and thematic trends. Our findings reveal a significant growth in research over the last five years and highlight a strong preference for some leadership approaches such as transformational leadership among Generation Z. Research highlights the importance of tailored educational programs, and the need for innovative HR practices to foster retention and job satisfaction. Additionally, the research emphasizes the psychosocial resilience of Generation Z in facing career-related challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Deniz DÄ°RÄ°K & Ahenk AKTAN & Ömer ATEÅžCÄ°, 2025. "A scoping review on Generation Z’s leadership experience and expectations," Management Research and Practice, Research Centre in Public Administration and Public Services, Bucharest, Romania, vol. 17(1), pages 46-65, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:rom:mrpase:v:17:y:2025:i:1:p:46-65
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. José Esteves & Guillermo Haro Rodríguez & María Teresa Ballestar & Jorge Sainz, 2024. "Gender and generational cohort impact on entrepreneurs’ emotional intelligence and transformational leadership," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 20(2), pages 1295-1322, June.
    2. Young-Chan Lee & Minh Ngoc Nguyen & Qin Yang, 2023. "Factors Influencing Vietnamese Generation MZ’s Adoption of Metaverse Platforms," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-17, October.
    3. C. Christopher Lee & Hyoun Sook Lim & Donghwi (Josh) Seo & Dong-Heon Austin Kwak, 2022. "Examining employee retention and motivation: the moderating effect of employee generation," Evidence-based HRM, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 10(4), pages 385-402, April.
    4. Ralf T. Kreutzer & Tim Neugebauer & Annette Pattloch, 2018. "Best Practices in Building a Digital Business Leadership," Management for Professionals, in: Digital Business Leadership, chapter 4, pages 219-260, Springer.
    5. Barbara Fedock, 2017. "Online Dissertation Chairs’ Perceptions on the Role of Reflective Mentoring Practices and Changing Student Cross-Cultural and Generational Worldviews," SAGE Open, , vol. 7(2), pages 21582440177, April.
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