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Understanding Generation Z’s perception of authentic leadership and its implications for organisational success
Koolhof, J.H. (2025) Understanding Generation Z’s perception of authentic leadership and its implications for organisational success.
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| Abstract: | This paper seeks to explore how Generation Z (Gen Z) perceives authentic leadership and what they expect from today’s leaders in organisational contexts within the Netherlands and Germany. Drawing upon the four dimensions of authentic leadership (ALQ) by Walumbwa et al. (2008) as a theoretical framework, and the insights of current academic literature on Gen Z, this study seeks to understand the aspects of Authentic Leadership (AL) that resonate with Gen Z employees. This research builds on six qualitative, semi-structured interviews with young professionals from both private and public sectors, providing an in-depth look of Gen Z’s experiences with and expectations of current leaders. Authenticity is characterised by transparency, integrity, adaptivity, self-awareness, and ethical decision making. The findings reveal that Gen Z's intrinsic motivation is deeply rooted within these traits. Organisations can leverage these insights by designing leadership frameworks that support the four pillars of the ALQ. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | International Business Administration BSc (50952) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106802 |
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