Leadership Redefined: Insights into Managing Gen Z Workforce

Abstract Bharatiya philosophy places a strong focus on the value of ethical leadership and defines the traits of an ideal leader. It expects leaders to be visionary and hence their vision should keep the present and future workforce/subordinates in mind. Recent times require the leaders to get ready for Generation Z workforce and mould their behaviour to fit the characteristics of this future workforce, if they want to meet the goals and produce favourable organizational results. Generation Z refers to individuals born in the years 1996 to 2010. The eldest members of this generation are barely in their 20s. Technology has played a major role in defining and shaping this generation. The advent of Generation Z members in the workplace has generated varied opinions about workplace dynamics and leadership practices. It seems to be creating a major paradigm shift in the workplace culture. It will be easier to recruit, engage and retain the latest workforce if the leaders, who mostly belong to Generation X and Millennials, are aware of the behavioural and cognitive habits of this workforce. Through this study an attempt is made to identify the changes needed in leadership approach and style in the era of Generation Z workforce. The researcher has tried to explore the transformations needed in leadership mindset and practices in response to the challenges and opportunities brought in by the latest workforce. This study and its results will contribute for the literature of leadership and generation cohort as well as for the progress of Bharat.