Generation Z, individuals born from the mid-1990s to the early 2010s, has drawn attention to social, cultural, and employment issues. This paper aims to understand the similarities and differences of Generation Z (Gen Z) across three cultural contexts: Malaysia, broader Asian, and Western countries, specifically in terms of digital adoption, cultural dimension, career aspirations, and work values. While global trend connects Gen Z across regions, particularly in the digital era and work-life balance, unique cultural influences shape different views on authority and spirituality. This study employs a comparative literature review to incorporate current research, highlighting both common generational characteristics and context-specific values. The key themes emphasize the complex connection between global connectivity and local culture in influencing Gen Z’s perspective, rather than including political context or consumer behaviour, except where they spill over into employment, for example, sustainability linked to employer choice. By understanding the similarities and differences of Gen Z of various countries, the HR practitioners and policy makers are able to comprehend the value differences and cultural orientation of Gen Z in order to minimize intergenerational conflicts. Additionally, it offers nuanced insights and strategic lessons for effectively engaging and retaining this generation in diverse workplace environments.
Abdul Rashid, M. A., Rasli, A., Othman, M. N. A., Ismail, I. R., Abdul Rahim, Z., & Said, R. A. (2021). Exploring Predictors of Gen Z Working Environment in Malaysia: A Case Study on a Group of Private Colleges. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 11(3). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v11-i3/8985
Abdullah, A., Ismail, M. M., & Albani, A. (2018). At-Risk Generation Z: Values, Talents and Challenges. International Journal of Asian Social Science, 8(7), 373–378. https://doi.org/10.18488/journal.1.2018.87.373.378
Albury, N. J., & Ooi, L. H. (2017). The widening gap between Malaysia’s international tourism brand and domestic multicultural policy. Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events, 9(3), 318–330. https://doi.org/10.1080/19407963.2017.1344245
Ali?, M., & Sopi?, L. (2023). Privacy Paradox and Generation Z. 2023 46th MIPRO ICT and Electronics Convention (MIPRO), 1532–1537. https://doi.org/10.23919/MIPRO57284.2023.10159918
Amiruddin, M. M., Alshahrani, S. H., Dwijendra, N. K. A., Al-Hawary, S. I. S., Jalil, A. T., Muda, I., Pallathadka, H., & Sunarsi, D. (2023). Religious behaviours and commitment among Muslim healthcare workers in Malaysia. HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 79(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v79i1.8177
Amri Zainal Adnan, A., Mahmood, A., & Salman Khudhair, F. (2024). The Characteristics of Employers Preferred by Gen-Z After the Covid-19 Pandemic. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS
Andersen, H. L., & Feldt, J. E. (2024). Uncertain Futures: The Role of Universities in Finding Common Ground and Creating Social Trust. IAU Horizons, 29(2). https://www.iau-aiu.net/IMG/pdf/iau_horizons_vol.29_2_en__v5.pdf
Anom, M., Rashid, A., Ismail, I., Aziz, F., Noor, M., Othman, A., & Ismail, I. R. (2021). Factor Influencing Gen Z Preferred Working Environment in Malaysia Article in. In Turkish Journal of Computer and Mathematics Education (Vol. 12, Issue 7). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358633432
Asutay, M., Buana, G. K., & Avdukic, A. (2022). The Impact of Islamic Spirituality on Job Satisfaction and Organisational Commitment: Exploring Mediation and Moderation Impact. Journal of Business Ethics, 181(4), 913–932. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-021-04940-y
Ayob, M., Mohd Shahren, N., Nazirah Omar, S., Tamrin, M., Abdul Azis, R., & Noraziana Azis, S. (2025). Exploring the Influence of Sustainability Education and Campaigns on Sustainability Awareness among Malaysian University Students. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS
Bich, T. T. N., Nhat, A. P., Hai, Y. V., Que, A. P. N., & Le, D. V. (2024). Study on the Perception and Ethical Professional Behaviors of Gen Z University-Educated Employees: A Case Study in Can Tho City, Vietnam. Journal of Chinese Human Resources Management, 15(3), 51–63. https://doi.org/10.47297/wspchrmWSP2040-800504.20241503
Chabika, R., Van Schalkwyk, J., Jansen van Rensburg, L., & Muller, R. (2024). Cultural forces shaping social influences: the role of power distance, uncertainty avoidance, and individualism. International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478), 13(8), 87–101. https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v13i8.3748
Chand, P. K., Tandon, U., & Mishra, N. (2024). Get cold feet: job hopping a conundrum in the stable employment of Gen Z employees at Industry 5.0. Kybernetes. https://doi.org/10.1108/K-04-2024-0943
Che Amat, M. A., & Talhah, H. (2021). The Relationship between Soft Skills, Self-Efficacy, and Career Development among Malaysian Generation Z. International Journal of Human Resource Studies, 11(4S), 123. https://doi.org/10.5296/ijhrs.v11i4s.19235
Chen, L., Zeng, S., & Tian, Z. (2023). Resonance or Alienation: An Empirical Study on the Influencing Factors of Religious Belief Choices among China’s Generation Z. Religions, 14(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14091161
Chillakuri, B. (2020). Understanding Generation Z expectations for effective onboarding. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 33(7), 1277–1296. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOCM-02-2020-0058
Coman, I. A., Yuan, S., & Tsai, J.-Y. (2022). Toward an Audience-Centric Framework of Corporate Social Advocacy Strategy: An Exploratory Study of Young Consumers from Generation Z. Sustainability, 14(7), 4099. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074099
Dewalska-Opitek, A., Witczak, O., Szostak, A., Dziura, M., & Wroniszewska-Drabek, B. (2024). Generation Z’s Trust Toward Artificial Intelligence: Attitudes and Opinions. European Research Studies Journal, 27(Special Issue B), 33–52. https://doi.org/10.35808/ersj/3475
Dimock, M. (2019). Defining generations: Where Millennials end and Generation Z begins BYMICHAEL DIMOCK.
Dolot, A. (2018). The characteristics of Generation Z. E-Mentor, 74, 44–50. https://doi.org/10.15219/em74.1351
Fatima, S., & Srivastava, Dr. (CS) U. (2024). Exploring Work-Life Balance Strategies Among Generation Z In The Education Sector: An Exploratory Analysis. Educational Administration Theory and Practices. https://doi.org/10.53555/kuey.v30i5.4438
Gentina, E. (2020). Generation Z in Asia: A Research Agenda. In The New Generation Z in Asia: Dynamics, Differences, Digitalization (pp. 3–19). Emerald Group Publishing Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80043-220-820201002
Ghobakhloo, M., Iranmanesh, M., Fathi, M., Rejeb, A., Foroughi, B., & Nikbin, D. (2024). Beyond Industry 4.0: a systematic review of Industry 5.0 technologies and implications for social, environmental and economic sustainability. Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration. https://doi.org/10.1108/APJBA-08-2023-0384
Han, H. (2022). Sustainable Consumer Behaviour and the Environment. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031234
Hashim, M. Z. R. R. C. C. R. M. S. I. N. M. N. M. F. A. (2024). A recent systematic review of digital workplace adoption: Digital competencies, impacts and challenges. Sustainability, 16. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/su16073019
Hinduan, Z. R., Anggraeni, A., & Agia, M. I. (2020a). Generation Z in Indonesia: The Self-Driven Digital. In The New Generation Z in Asia: Dynamics, Differences, Digitalization. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80043-220-820201012
Hinduan, Z. R., Anggraeni, A., & Agia, M. I. (2020b). Generation Z in Indonesia: The Self-Driven Digital. In The New Generation Z in Asia: Dynamics, Differences, Digitalization (pp. 121–134). Emerald Group Publishing Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80043-220-820201012
Hotama, V. A., & Setiorini, A. (n.d.). The Effect of Work-Life Balance, Self-Esteem, and Work Motivation, on Organizational Commitment of Gen Z Employees. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS
Hotama, V. A., & Setiorini, A. (2025). The Effect of Work-Life Balance, Self-Esteem, and Work Motivation on Organizational Commitment of Gen Z Employees. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 9(4), 738–750. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.90400055
Infeld, D. L., Adams, W. C., Qi, G., & Rosnah, N. (2010). Career values of public administration and public policy students in china, malaysia and the united states. International Journal of Public Administration, 33(14), 800–815. https://doi.org/10.1080/01900692.2010.520950
Jancourt, M. (2020). Gen Z and the workplace: Can we all get along? Corporate Real Estate Journal, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.69554/zirl5192
Jasmine, J. A., & Utomo, P. (2024). The role of transformational leadership, work-life balance, and employee engagement on Gen Z’s organizational commitment in the Indonesian creative industry. Problems and Perspectives in Management, 22(4), 576–587. https://doi.org/10.21511/ppm.22(4).2024.43
Jassem, Z. A. (2017). International Journal of English and Education Harper’s (2016) Online Etymology Dictionary (Etymonline): A Critical Review. 6, 1. http://www.etymonline.com
Jayatissa, K. A. D. U. (2023). Generation Z – A New Lifeline: A Systematic Literature Review. Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 3(2), 179–186. https://doi.org/10.4038/sljssh.v3i2.110
Jolliffe, P., & Foster, S. (2022). Different Reality? Generations’ and Religious Groups’ Views of Spirituality Policies in the Workplace. Journal of Business Ethics, 181(3), 451–470. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-021-04951-9
Kacperska, E. M., Stefa?czyk, J., D?browski, P. J., & Za?oga, W. (2024). The Consequences of Implementing Artificial Intelligence Technology in the Digital Economy from the Perspective of Generation Z. European Research Studies Journal, 27(3), 1039–1057. https://doi.org/10.35808/ersj/3764
Karon Warren, B., JACKSON Investopedia, A., & Villegas, Y. (n.d.). Generation Z (Gen Z): Definition, Birth Years, and Demographics. https://www.investopedia.com/generation-z-gen-z-definition-5218554
Lima das Chagas, F. A., & Muñoz-García, A. (2023). Examining the Influence of Meaning in Life and Religion/Spirituality on Student Engagement and Learning Satisfaction: A Comprehensive Analysis. Religions, 14(12), 1508. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14121508
Liu, S. S., Shteynberg, G., Morris, M. W., Yang, Q., & Galinsky, A. D. (2021). How Does Collectivism Affect Social Interactions? A Test of Two Competing Accounts. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 47(3), 362–376. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167220923230
Liu, Z., Ghouri, A. M., Wang, J., & Lin, C. (2025). Digital religion and Generation Z: an empirical study in the context of China. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1536644. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1536644
Manap, J., Hamjah, S. H., Idris, F., Kasim, A. C., & Idrus, R. (2021a). Lifestyle and Spiritual Practices of Generation Z. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 11(6). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v11-i6/10222
Manap, J., Hamjah, S. H., Idris, F., Kasim, A. C., & Idrus, R. (2021b). Lifestyle and Spiritual Practices of Generation Z. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 11(6), 909–923. https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v11-i6/10222
Martínez-Díaz, A., Díaz-Fúnez, P. A., Salvador-Ferrer, C. M., Hernández-Sánchez, B. R., Sánchez-García, J. C., & Mañas-Rodríguez, M. Á. (2023). Mediating effect of job crafting dimensions on influence of burnout at self-efficacy and performance: revisiting health-impairment process of JD-R theory in public administration. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1137012
McCrindle, & Fell. (2019). Understanding Generation Z?: recruiting, training and leading the next generation. McCrindle Research.
McDonald, N., Badillo-Urquiola, K., Razi, A., Seberger, J. S., Agosto, D. E., & Wisniewski, P. (2024). AI Through Gen Z: Partnerships Toward New Research Agendas. Interactions, 31(5), 28–31. https://doi.org/10.1145/3681802
Mondo, M., Cicotto, G., Pileri, J., Cois, E., & De Simone, S. (2023). Promote Well-Being and Innovation in Sustainable Organizations: The Role of Job Crafting as Mediator. Sustainability (Switzerland), 15(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118899
Nasywa Naifah Hilman, Lulu Budiani Hardiana, Gita Indah Cahyani, Nurul Hikmah Mayleni, & Rahmah Syakinah. (2025). Peran Serta Aksi Gen-Z dalam Era Serba Teknologi. SABER?: Jurnal Teknik Informatika, Sains Dan Ilmu Komunikasi, 3(2), 182–189. https://doi.org/10.59841/saber.v3i2.2596
Nguyen Ngoc, T., Viet Dung, M., Rowley, C., & Peji? Bach, M. (2022). Generation Z job seekers’ expectations and their job pursuit intention: Evidence from transition and emerging economy. International Journal of Engineering Business Management, 14. https://doi.org/10.1177/18479790221112548
Parry, E., & Battista, V. (2019). Generation Z in the UK: More of the Same - High Standards and Demands. In Generations Z in Europe: Inputs, Insights and Implications. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-78973-491-120191013
Prensky, M. (2009). H. Sapiens Digital: From Digital Immigrants and Digital Natives to Digital Wisdom. http://www.innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=705
Rachmadini, F., & Riyanto, S. (2020). The Impact of Work-Life Balance onEmployee Engagement in Generation Z. IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS, 25, 62–66. https://doi.org/10.9790/0837-2505106266
Radzi, N. A. M., Olaleye, B. R., Saidi, N. A., Hassan, S., & Khumalo, N. (2025). Environmental Sustainability Awareness and Knowledge Among Millennial and Gen Z Students: A Study from a Public Higher Education Institution. Journal of Lifestyle and SDGs Review, 5(4), e3931. https://doi.org/10.47172/2965-730X.SDGsReview.v5.n04.pe03931
Radzi, O. S. H. & K. 2025. (2025). View of Environmental Sustainability Awareness and Knowledge Among Millennial and Gen Z Students_ A Study from a Public Higher Education Institution.
Rai, N., & Kulkarni, V. (2023). Managing Newer Generations In Workplace: Opportunities And Challenges. Journal of Survey in Fisheries Sciences, 10(1), 3522–3529. https://doi.org/10.53555/sfs.v10i1.1545
Salem, M. R. M. (2025). Designing future-ready workplaces: how Gen Z’s preferred work type influence retention intention; mediating role of perceived autonomy in Malaysian SMEs. Future Business Journal, 11(1), 211. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43093-025-00643-2
Salguero, R. B., Bogueva, D., & Marinova, D. (2024). Australia’s university Generation Z and its concerns about climate change. Sustainable Earth Reviews, 7(8). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42055-024-00075-w
Schmitt, M. D. (2023). iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy-and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood: and What That Means for the Rest of Us. By Jean M. Twenge: A Book Review. In TAFCS Research Journal (Vol. 10, Issue 1). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378128957
Seemiller, C., & Grace, M. (n.d.). Generation Z goes to College 1.
Sengupta, D. , M. M. , B. L. , D. R. , & B. B. L. (2024). Sustainability Orientation of Generation Z and ITs Role in Their Choice of Employer - A Comparative Qualitative Inquiry Of India and United States. Administrative Sciences, 14(10), 249. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.3390/admsci14100249
Sengupta, D., Mathews, M., Bridges, L., D’Costa, R., & Bastian, B. L. (2024). Sustainability Orientation of Generation Z and Its Role in Their Choice of Employer—A Comparative Qualitative Inquiry of India and United States. Administrative Sciences, 14(10), 249. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14100249
Shinde, O., & Surve, M. (2025). Understanding Generation Z in the Workplace: Adapting Organizational Strategies for a New Era of Work. International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 14(3), 790–797. https://doi.org/10.21275/sr25316115930
Slemp, G. R., Kern, M. L., & Vella-Brodrick, D. A. (2015). Workplace Well-Being: The Role of Job Crafting and Autonomy Support. Psychology of Well-Being, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13612-015-0034-y
Tang, F. (2021). A critical review of research on the work-related attitudes of Generation Z in China. In Social Psychology and Society (Vol. 10, Issue 2, pp. 19–28). Moscow State University of Psychology and Education. https://doi.org/10.17759/SPS.2019100203
Tharani, K. (2022). Charting the Future of the Ginans: Needs and Expectations of the Ismaili Youth in the Western Diaspora. Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 17(2), 3–24. https://doi.org/10.18438/eblip30055
Tian, W., Wang, H., & Rispens, S. (2021). How and when job crafting relates to employee creativity: The important roles of work engagement and perceived work group status diversity. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18010291
Tjiptono, F., Khan, G., Yeong, E. S., & Kunchamboo, V. (2020). Generation Z in Malaysia: The Four ‘E’ Generation. In The New Generation Z in Asia: Dynamics, Differences, Digitalization (pp. 149–163). Emerald Group Publishing Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80043-220-820201015
Vijayalakshmi, P., & Manorselvi, A. (2024). Citation: P. Vijayalakshmi, (2024) A Study On Career Aspiration And Its Imported On Work Values Among Gen-Z With Special Reference To Chennai City. Theory and Practice, 2024(5), 2132–2138. https://doi.org/10.53555/kuey.v30i5.3247
Waworuntu, E. C., Kainde, S. J. R., & Mandagi, D. W. (2022). Work-Life Balance, Job Satisfaction and Performance Among Millennial and Gen Z Employees: A Systematic Review. Society, 10(2), 384–398. https://doi.org/10.33019/society.v10i2.464
Xueyun, Z., Al Mamun, A., Masukujjaman, M., Rahman, M. K., Gao, J., & Yang, Q. (2023). Modelling the significance of organizational conditions on quiet quitting intention among Gen Z workforce in an emerging economy. Scientific Reports, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-42591-3
Yew, W. C., Awang, A. H., Selvadurai, S., Noor, M. M., & Chang, P. K. (2021). A comparative study of islam and buddhism: A multicultural society perspective. Religions, 12(12). https://doi.org/10.3390/rel12121098
Zahari, S. N. S., & Puteh, F. (2023). Gen Z Workforce and Job-Hopping Intention: A Study among University Students in Malaysia. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v13-i1/15540
Zhong, C.-B., Magee, J. C., Maddux, W. W., & Galinsky, A. D. (2006). Power, Culture, and Action: Considerations in the Expression and Enactment of Power in East Asian and Western Societies. Research on Managing Groups and Teams, 9, 53–73. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1534-0856(06)09003-7
Musa, A. P., Hassan, Z., & Hutasuhut, I. J. (2025). Understanding Generation Z Across Cultures for HR Practice: Insights from Malaysia, Asia, and the West. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 15(11), 1273–1296.
Copyright: © 2025 The Author(s)
Published by Knowledge Words Publications (www.kwpublications.com)
This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this license may be seen at: http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode
