سمیه علیزاده نیری

Abstract

One of the critical issues currently discussed in human resource management and leadership within organizations is the management of generations and generational diversity. The coexistence of multiple generations in the workplace has made workforce management a challenging task for leaders and managers.

  Each generation, shaped by its lived experiences and historical, political, and social events, possesses values, perceptions, and needs that differ from those of other generations, leading them to interpret and analyze events in distinct ways. Therefore, under such circumstances, adopting a single uniform policy for effectively leading employees is not feasible. Instead, informed decision-making and appropriate human resource policies require a thorough understanding of the characteristics of different generations within organizations.

Given the importance of Generation Z as the future workforce and the limited research conducted on this generation in Iran, the present study investigates and prioritizes the work values of this cohort. The statistical population of this research comprised Generation Z students at Allameh Tabataba’i University, and the study employed an applied survey design. Data were collected using a questionnaire based on Maloney’s model. For data analysis, descriptive statistics were first used to determine the work value priorities of Generation Z. Subsequently, confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the structure of Maloney’s model is applicable to the studied population. The model’s fit and the alignment of the identified work values with Maloney’s align="left" >The findings indicate that Generation Z students in Iran place the highest importance on job security and stable financial benefits, which reflects the country’s socio-economic context. While intrinsic and social values are appealing to them, in practice, security and survival take precedence, with values related to personal growth and social interaction ranked lower in importance.

Keywords: Value, Work Values, Generation, Generation Z, Generational Management