Is Generation Z really that different?

Research shows that Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) will hold five different job roles before the age of 25, with almost half of respondents saying that they have experienced a career setback after a falling-out with their boss. Speaking about the findings, John Hackston, Head of Thought Leadership at business psychology firm  The Myers-Briggs Company says: “It’s tempting to see this as evidence that the Gen Z group is somehow very different to older generations. For example, Gen Zs are perceived to hold a greater level of social conscience (hence the rather derogatory label of ‘the snowflake generation’) than other groups. However, People First for Organisational Fitness research, compiled by The Myers-Briggs Company, shows that generational differences are something of a myth.”

John adds: “Different generations are often seen as a source of conflict in organisations, yet this is mostly age rather than generations someone is born into. When the old look back on the young, many of the things they see and disapprove of may be their own younger selves. But explaining someone’s behaviour in terms of their ‘generation’, or even their age, can easily be an excuse for not trying to understand them. If we really want to retain younger, Gen Z workers, we need to look at and understand the personality of the individual. People from any generation may have more in common with others from a different generation than they realise. By focusing on better understanding employees’ natural working style, and helping them to increase their own self-awareness, businesses can ensure their people are more aware of each other’s motivations and the value each can bring. This will ultimately lead to better teamwork, less conflict, lower turnover and more effective and productive organisations.” 

“Looking at the increased social conscience and attention to values ascribed to Gen Z through the lens of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) model, there is an affinity to the Feeling approach to decision-making. Individuals with a preference for Feeling prefer to make decisions based on values and how people will be affected, rather than solely on the basis of objective logic. Therefore, businesses should concentrate on the diversity of personality in their organization and treat each person as an individual, instead of ascribing an individual’s characteristics to their ‘generation’. Additionally, managers who develop their own self-awareness are less likely to bring about career setbacks for younger employees”, concluded John.

 

About The Myers-Briggs Company 
In our fast-changing world, your edge lies in harnessing 100 percent of your talent – whether you’re at work, home, school, college, or anywhere in between. Your success and sense of fulfilment aren’t just about what you know and what you can do, they hinge on your relationships and interactions with others. The Myers-Briggs Company empowers individuals to be the best versions of themselves by enriching self-awareness and their understanding of others. We help organisations around the world improve teamwork and collaboration, develop inspirational leaders, foster diversity and solve their most complex people challenges. As a certified B Corp (and a registered California Benefit Corporation), The Myers-Briggs Company is a force for good. Our powerfully practical solutions are grounded in a deep understanding of the significant social and technological trends that affect people and organisations. With over 60 years in assessment development and publishing, and over 30 years of consultancy and training expertise, a global network of offices, partners and certified independent consultants in 115 countries, products in 29 languages, and experience working with 88 of the Fortune 100 companies, we’re ready to help you succeed.

   

Media Contacts:

Hiwot Wolde-Senbet, Flagship Consulting
Natasha Cobby, Flagship Consulting
Joe Morphet, Flagship Consulting
myers-briggs@flagshipconsulting.co.uk
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Petra Merne
The Myers-Briggs Company
PMerne@themyersbriggs.com
+44 1865 404584