Generation Z:s förväntningar på chefer. En kvalitativ studie om unga medarbetares upplevelser av ledarskap i dagens arbetsliv

Sammanfattning

This thesis examines how employees from Generation Z experience leadership in workinglife and what expectations they have of their managers. The study is based on the observationthat much of the current discourse on Generation Z relies on broad generalizations, andtherefore seeks to understand leadership from the employees’ own everyday experiences.Based on semi-structured interviews with working professionals, the results show thatrespondents value freedom with responsibility and opportunities to influence their work. Atthe same time, autonomy is perceived as motivating only when it is combined with clearstructures, continuous support, and a present and accessible leadership. Concrete anddialogue-based feedback emerges as particularly important for creating a sense of security,learning, and engagement, while insufficient communication and lack of clarity contribute touncertainty.The study also identifies a perceived gap between ideals of leadership and leadership aspracticed, particularly in organizations characterized by time pressure. However, this gap isbetter understood as a consequence of structural and everyday leadership shortcomings ratherthan as an expression of generation-specific demands. Overall, the thesis contributes to amore nuanced understanding of Generation Z by demonstrating that their expectationsprimarily reflect fundamental needs for clarity, support, and meaningful work, rather thandistinctive generational traits.