The current study examines the attitudes of Generation Z as compared to older generations in the context of attitudes toward flexible work, flexible learning, and online consumption. Such a change in lifestyle requires openness to experience, flexibility, and the ability to adapt to changes. Although there are various different implications of flexible work (De Smet et al., 2021), flexible learning (Laslo-Roth et al., 2020), and online consumption (Gu et al., 2021), it is clear that the change cannot be reversed and that future models of work and higher education will include hybrid elements – a combination of physical presence and remote work or distance learning. According to Parker and Igielnik ( 2020), Gen Zs spend less time in direct face-to-face contact with other people, and this is one reason why they have the highest ever generational reports of depression.Ī key concept generated by the COVID-19 virus and the consequent need for social distancing is the “hybrid model” of life, especially in the contexts of work, education, and consumption of various products (in store vs. However, it is not known why older people are shown to be more resilient in times of crisis. Past studies show that younger generations are less resilient than older generations (Ludwig et al., 2020 Gooding et al., 2012(. Studies of Gen Z have shown that, compared with previous generations, even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic Gen Zs exhibited higher rates of depression and anxiety, and a need for emotional support (Schroth, 2019). Multiple questions arise regarding the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the development of these young people and their future. However, all this changed dramatically when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, presenting Gen Z with new challenges (Parker & Igielnik, 2020). Until the COVID-19 pandemic, Gen Zs grew up in a relatively stable and peaceful environment with a robust economy relative to previous generations. Despite the magnitude and significance of the crisis, the main values of each generation remained unchanged in many respects, but attitudes of both generations are positive towards hybrid work and consumption. Both generation members had the similar attitudes towards online consumption. In addition, Gen Z were found to be more positive in their attitudes toward flexible learning but no differences between the generations were found as for flexible work. Also, Gen Z members had higher levels of openness to change, and self-enhancement as compared to Generation X (Gen X). It was found that members of Generation Z (Gen Z) were less resilient. Data were gathered in a cross-sectional study 958 participants participated, divided into two age-groups: 508 participants of Generation Z (ages ranged between 18–24 53.9% males 46.1% females ), and 205 participants of Generation X (ages ranged between 40–50 54.2% males 45.8% females ). Based on the theory of generations, we aimed to explore whether different generations have different levels of resilience, values and attitudes during the global crisis. In the current study we seek to examine the difference between Generation Z and Generation X in terms of coping with a global crisis (COVID-19), specifically regarding resilience in times of crisis, personal values and attitudes during that time.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |