Generation ZAlpha and authentic leadership: evidence from online survey and focused group interviews

Generational cohorts active in the labour market constitute a research subject within the domain of management sciences. Increasing scholarly attention is being directed towards Generation ZAlpha, a microgeneration comprising individuals born at the intersection of Generation Z and Alpha. Although it is acknowledged that Generation ZAlpha anticipates authentic leadership in the workplace, the existing literature does not give the rationale underlying the significance of authentic leadership for representatives of Generation ZAlpha. Furthermore, an elucidation of which traits, attitudes, and behaviours of authentic leaders are important according to ZAlpha individuals remains absent. The formulated research problem enquired into Gen ZAlpha’s expectations concerning authentic leadership and authentic leaders within the workplace, as well as the significance of authentic leadership (along with its particular dimensions) and authentic leaders for Gen ZAlpha employees and the organisations employing them. Empirical research was conducted withing a mixed paradigm, using the computer-assisted web interview and focus group interview methodologies. The findings revealed that Generation ZAlpha anticipates leaders to exemplify authenticity, characterised by self-awareness, relational transparency, balanced processing, and internalised moral perspective. Gen ZAlpha perceives authentic leadership as a favoured model of leader conduct, ensuring organisational inclusiveness and preventing organisational pathological phenomena such as discrimination or mobbing.