Jason Leong is an accomplished professional with a strong background in Supply Chain Management and Logistics. Holding degrees from prestigious institutions like National University of Singapore and Georgia Institute of Technology. Career spans various industries including high-tech, pharmaceutical, energy services, and commodities with track record of enhancing operational efficiency, optimizing costs, and driving strategic growth.
He will be defending his Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (EDBA) in September 2023, on the theme “Assessing and Understanding Employee Engagement of Generation Z 1 Case Study: Employees in China Tool Steel Industry”” under the supervision of Professor Frederic Ponsignon, at the KEDGE Business School. Generation Z, born between 1995 and 2010, is rapidly entering China’s workforce, prompting a need to comprehend their motivations and formulate effective engagement strategies. This study, based on generational theory and traits specific to Generation Z, suggests that their engagement dynamics differ. An investigation at Voestalpine high-performance metals in China reveals lower engagement levels among Generation Z employees and highlights key antecedents’ varying impacts and their alignment with Generation Z’s traits and Chinese culture, offering practical insights to enhance engagement within this demographic.
Thesis Direction
Pr Frédéric Ponsignon
Thesis Title
Assessing & Understanding Employee Engagement of Generation Z – Case Study: Employees in China tool steel industry
Abstract
Generation Z, consisting of individuals born between 1995 and 2010, is swiftly entering the workforce in China and is set to impact the labour landscape significantly. As this emerging generation starts to influence workforce dynamics, it is crucial to understand their motivations and develop effective strategies for engaging them in the workplace. Despite the abundance of literature on the antecedents and definitions of employee engagement, research explicitly focusing on Generation Z’s engagement remains limited in the Chinese context.
Building upon the theoretical foundations of generational theory and the established literature on the unique traits of Generation Z, this study proposes that the antecedents and definitions of employee engagement might differ for this distinct age group. A case study of Voestalpine high-performance metals in China was conducted to investigate this. The result from the EES-15 Engagement scale unveiled that Generation Z employees display statistically lower engagement levels than their counterparts from other generations.
This investigation emphasises the richness and detail of our data while identifying the key antecedents and explaining their significance in the context of Generation Z, Chinese culture, and the manufacturing industry. Our research shows that certain established antecedents of employee engagement have varying effects on Generation Z. Among the 11 identified antecedents in the extensive literature, Leadership, Social Support, Job Resources, and Perceived Organisational Support play crucial roles, while Job Security and Psychological Capital appear to be of lesser importance for Generation Z employees in this case study. This analysis sheds light on the unique factors influencing engagement within this context.
The recognised traits of Generation Z and Chinese culture can explain the prominence or lack thereof of the established antecedents. For example, Social Support’s importance for Generation Z employees can be attributed to their upbringing in the era of social media, which emphasises sharing and connecting with others. China’s collectivist culture further reinforces this focus on collaboration and socialisation, underscoring the importance of group harmony and mutual support. This study also offers managerial implications and prescriptive suggestions, such as ‘weekly 1-1 sessions’ for Voestalpine, which could apply to other industries. By understanding and addressing the unique engagement drivers for Generation Z, organisations can foster a more engaged workforce and harness the full potential of this increasingly influential demographic.