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The Work Values of Portuguese Generation Z in the Higher Education-to-Work Transition Phase

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  • Joaquim Silva

    (Interdisciplinary Centre of Social Sciences (CICS.NOVA.UMinho), School of Economics and Management, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal)

  • Ana Carvalho

    (NIPE—Centre for Research in Economics and Management, School of Economics and Management, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal)

Abstract

The cohort of young people born with or after the Internet has been dubbed Generation Z (Gen Z, or post-millennials). They are now entering the higher education-to-work transition phase, although this is yet to be studied. Previous studies have found that work values and work preferences vary across generations and national cultures, justifying regular and localised examination. However, very little is known to date about the work values of Portuguese Gen Zs. In this study, we describe the work values of Portuguese university students in the higher education-to-work transition phase and examine their influence on salient work-related preferences. We surveyed over 3000 students attending university degrees from eight main Portuguese universities. We find that Portuguese Gen Zs value social values above all, followed by intrinsic and then extrinsic work values, potentially configuring a unique profile. Work values partially explain work preferences such as employer size and salary expectations. Gender differences mark our results, with women expressing higher work values in all three dimensions and lower entry salary expectations. These results can be useful for employers seeking to attract the best university graduates, facilitate their integration and promote their development.

Suggested Citation

  • Joaquim Silva & Ana Carvalho, 2021. "The Work Values of Portuguese Generation Z in the Higher Education-to-Work Transition Phase," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-16, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:10:y:2021:i:8:p:297-:d:609252
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Simona Demel & Petr Mariel & Jürgen Meyerhoff, 2019. "Job preferences of business and economics students," International Journal of Manpower, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 40(3), pages 473-499, February.
    2. Ana Fernandes & Martin Huber & Giannina Vaccaro, 2021. "Gender differences in wage expectations," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(6), pages 1-24, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Zbysław Dobrowolski & Grzegorz Drozdowski & Mirela Panait, 2022. "Understanding the Impact of Generation Z on Risk Management—A Preliminary Views on Values, Competencies, and Ethics of the Generation Z in Public Administration," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-13, March.

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