Arab Academy for Science, Technology and

Maritime Transport, Cairo

Master of Business Administration Program

Human Resources Management

Dr. Maha Hafez

Assignment: Book Review

Book Name: Managing Generation Z

Name: Doaa Rady Mohamed Mohamed

ID Number:22126935 Group: 2S

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 "Managing Generation Z" by Robin Paggi and Kat Clowes is a guide for managers
who are looking for managing and engaging the youngest generation in the workforce
effectively, considering the practical strategies and tips for avoiding workplace problems, and
promoting health and security in an organization. The book provides an overview through its
7 sections addressing several aspects of Generation Z's characteristics and attitudes towards
work through the employee life cycle starting from finding, hiring, and training generation Z
workers, in order to get the best out of them.

The employee lifecycle includes several important stages that employers must consider
to ensure employee satisfaction and the achievement of organization’s strategies. Noting that
an organization of different generations in the workplace, needs to have a common ground of
communication by recognizing common experiences of the various generations and these
experiences helped promote certain traits in order to understand each other better and work
together better. Respectively, the book emphasis on the importance of communication and
feedback in managing all generations especially Generation Z. As a side note the author here
considered that the dividing lines for the various generations are as follows noting that there is
no an “official” dividing lines:

• Traditionalists or the Silent Generation, born before 1946

• Baby Boomers (1946–1964)
• Gen X (1965–1976)
• Gen Y or Millennials (1977–1995)
• Gen Z (1996–TBD)

Despite that generalizing about people based on their age can lead to stereotyping. Many
employers find that being aware of generational differences can enhance their understanding
of individuals and help them plan for the reactions of various groups and now it is generation-
Z Era in addition to being a Gen Y or Millennials so I have a direct contact with this generation
that I should understand in order to be able to support and communicate and get of benefits
from them. So, it was important to know/understand generation Z’s biggest Strength, which is
that they are Techies, as they grew up in a digital era. So that they don’t use the same traditional
way of anything similar to older generations, starting from how to find them for a vacancy
through their whole life cycle as an employee.

What I Most liked about the Book that the authors highlight the importance of
understanding Generation Z's unique perspective on work and career which is shaped by their
experiences growing up in a world where information is easily accessible, and offer practical
advice on how to cater to their needs and preferences by being transparent and open as they
prefer their relationships with their managers to be, in addition to that they need a lot of
continuous positive feedback and take critique very personally respectively their managers
should provide constructive critique. From a Gen Y or Millennials perspective this was very
useful noting that I have noticed through my generation Z team, the lack of general know how,

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that I assume to be a general knowledge and that really gets me so frustrated, ending with
Generation Z employee Simply quitting exactly as mentioned in the Book. As a start I thought
that was due to wrong selection of this candidate but by deep studying and reading the book, I
found out that I was a part of this resignation due to my lack of understanding to generation Z
mindset.

The Book actually works for me, and that the authors reached their target audience,
however, I don’t like the concept of receiving the message that generation Z are not included
among the target audience. The Authors clarify how to manage generation Z, and clarify their
strength points, their weakness, the opportunity in them, in addition to the threatens that they
may cause, but they didn’t direct them with any advice. I guess they need to have another part
to have generation Z as a target audience. Because as all other generations need to understand
generation Z, they also need to have the ability to meet other generations in a Neutral ground.
And focus on their weaknesses & threatens and work on them, beside advising their
managements to handle.

To Sum Up, the book provides all challenges that the managers would face; the
managers whom are able to understand and address these challenges are likely to be successful
in managing Generation Z employees and creating a positive and productive work environment
the Challenges are:

1. Communication preferences → Generation Z prefer to communicate using technology

such as text messaging, social media, and instant messaging. This can be a challenge
for managers who are used to traditional forms of communication, such as face-to-face
meetings and phone calls.

2. Expectations around technology → Generation Z is accustomed to using technology in

all aspects of their lives, and they expect their workplace technology to be up-to-date
and easy to use. Managers may need to invest in new technology or provide training to
ensure that Gen Z employees are able to work efficiently.

3. Work-life balance → Generation Z values work-life balance and may prioritize their
personal life over their job. Managers need to find ways to accommodate their
employees' schedules and personal commitments while also ensuring that work is
completed on time.

4. Desire for feedback → Generation Z is comfortable with receiving feedback and

expects regular feedback from their managers. Managers may need to adjust
their communication style to provide more frequent and timely feedback to meet the
expectations of Gen Z employees in terms of constructive critique.

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 5. Desire for career growth → Generation Z is ambitious and desires career growth and
development opportunities. Managers need to provide opportunities for learning and
advancement to retain their Gen Z employees.

6. Resistance to traditional hierarchies → Generation Z values collaboration and

teamwork and may be less comfortable with traditional hierarchies and authority
structures. Managers need to find ways to empower their employees and create a culture
of collaboration and inclusivity.

Finally, I do recommend the book for all generations that have direct contact with
generation Z in the workplace, they then shall have fully understood for generation Z mindset,
needs to be lead.

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