Work Preferences of Generation Z and Their Impact on Organizational Learning and Development in United Arab Emirates
Iftikhar Ahmed Khan1, Ahmed Hamoud Al-Shibami2
1Iftikhar Ahmed Khan, Department of Naval Forces Institute, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Middle East.
2Dr. Ahmed Hamoud Al-Shibami, Department of Faculty of Business and Accountancy, Lincoln University College, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Manuscript received on 20 June 2019 | Revised Manuscript received on 27 June 2019 | Manuscript Published on 22 June 2019 | PP: 518-526 | Volume-8 Issue-8S2 June 2019 | Retrieval Number: H10910688S219/19©BEIESP
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© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open-access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: Generation Z (born 1995 onwards) are said to have developed habit of multi-tasking due to their excessive usage of information technology. They are also career conscious and prefer to join organization where they have good career progression. Most of existing studies are West-based, the outcomes of which may not be fully applicable to other parts due to differences in factors underlying generational differences. United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one such country where there is a scarcity of studies on Gen Z. Taking lead from West-based research outcomes, this study aims to determine whether UAE Gen Z show work traits similar to Western Gen Z, and what would the impact of these on organizational L&D. Sample comprised Gen Z students studying in universities in UAE. Results show that UAE Gen Zs have a habit of multi-tasking which would lead to interest in multi skills development in workplace. They are career conscious and are likely to value career progression and enhancement in their marketability in workplace, which would lead to their intention to participate in organizational L&D designed around these traits. This study will help work organizations in UAE in understanding work traits of Gen Z and aligning their process especially the L&D with these preferences to make the optimum use of this generation which is about to formally join them.
Keywords: Generation Z, Work Preferences, Learning and Development.
Scope of the Article: Agent-Based Learning and Knowledge Discovery