Probing purpose and value across generations: Rolling the kaleidoscopic of employee narcissism, work centrality, engagement, and discretionary effort

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Submission summary. This research paper aimed to investigate how work attitudes and behaviors differ across generations currently employed in Thailand's manufacturing and service sectors. The core results include that generational divides impact key structural relationships, while industry types showed no variations, and Generation X displayed higher work centrality, engagement, and effort than Generation Z. In response, managers are encouraged to tailor supportive strategies toward developing Generation Y’s leadership skills given their future leadership roles and stronger narcissism ties, as well as coaching Generation Z to optimize their engagement-effort connection as the newest labor market entrants.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Citation

(2024), "Probing purpose and value across generations: Rolling the kaleidoscopic of employee narcissism, work centrality, engagement, and discretionary effort", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/HRMID-03-2024-0061