Open research questions in Generational Differences and Trends
73 gap statements mined from Generational Differences and Trends papers in our 4.5M-paper local library, which holds 679 papers on the topic — drawn mostly from each paper's own stated research gap, future-work, challenge and limitation notes, and its abstract. The ones listed below are a selection still marked open; each names the study that raised it, with a DOI link where the paper has one.
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What the literature leaves open
It highlights the need to address the social and ethical implications of AI. The study recognizes the challenge of promoting responsible AI development and use.
Opinions and Attitudes of Generation Z Representants Toward Artificial Intelligence: An Exploration of Selected Areas · 2026 · DOIThe study suggests that future research should explore the opinions and attitudes of other generations towards AI. It highlights the need for further study on the social and ethical implications of AI. The study recommends that future research should consider the perspectives of diverse stakeholders, including AI developers, policymakers, and users.
Opinions and Attitudes of Generation Z Representants Toward Artificial Intelligence: An Exploration of Selected Areas · 2026 · DOIThe effectiveness of hybrid work for Generation Z employees remains underexplored from a systemic diagnostic perspective. There is a need for a systematic literature review to synthesize evidence from existing research on hybrid work effectiveness for Generation Z.
Organizational Diagnosis of Hybrid Work Effectiveness Among Generation Z: A Systematic Literature Review · 2026 · DOIThe study is limited to 100 respondents only. The study covers a limited geographical area. Responses are based on the personal opinions of HR professionals. Time constraints were a major limitation of the study.
A STUDY ON CHALLENGES FACED BY HR IN UNDERSTANDING GEN Z'S EXPECTATIONS FROM EMPLOYERS IN NAVI MUMBAI · 2026 · DOILimited research has specifically focused on the challenges faced by HR professionals in understanding and managing Gen Z's expectations from employers. The study attempts to fill this gap by examining these challenges in detail.
A STUDY ON CHALLENGES FACED BY HR IN UNDERSTANDING GEN Z'S EXPECTATIONS FROM EMPLOYERS IN NAVI MUMBAI · 2026 · DOIThere is a critical gap in understanding the specific factors that secure the long-term loyalty of Gen-Z and Millennials. The models for employee retention used currently often treat employees' personal well-being as a secondary benefit rather than a foundational organisational philosophy.
A Systematic Literature Review: From Engagement to Loyalty: Employees' Retention Drivers for Gen-Z and Millennials · 2026 · DOIThe existing traditional education methods are ineffective for Generation Z. There is a mismatch between the labor market and educational programs. The education system lacks flexibility, technology orientation, and student-centered approach.
The research needs to address the issue of credibility and trustworthiness in influencer marketing.
“A study on Gen Z customers buying Behaviour in response to online social media platforms.” · 2026 · DOIThe lack of information about Generation Z's performance in University programs. The limited number of published articles about Generation Z in Dental Education.
There is a gap in research on the factors influencing work readiness in Gen Z students. Prior research has focused on Millennials, but Gen Z has different career expectations and needs.
Pengaruh Self-Efficacy terhadap Work Readiness Mahasiswa Gen Z dengan Career Planning sebagai Mediasi · 2026 · DOIThe paper suggests that future research should investigate the work environment expectations of the youngest generation entering the workforce. The paper proposes a research framework aimed at addressing the identified knowledge gaps and guiding future investigations in the field.
Designing a Supportive Work Environment That Meets Expectations of Generationally Diverse Workforce · 2026 · DOIThe paper identifies a need for customised strategies for creating supportive workplace designs that address the specific needs of each age group.
Designing a Supportive Work Environment That Meets Expectations of Generationally Diverse Workforce · 2026 · DOIThe lack of stable framework and security in everyday life has negative consequences for Generation Z. The possibility of multiple lifestyle choices contributes to the formation of the identity of young people in modern society.
GENERATION Z: TEENAGERS IN THE VORTEX OF FLUIDITY. CONSTRUCTING IDENTITY IN LATE MODERNITY · 2026 · DOIThe literature lacks studies on the mediating role of employee ambition in the relationship between perceived support and innovative work behavior. The study aims to fill this gap by examining the impact of perceived managerial and coworker support on innovative work behavior.
Algılanan Yönetici ve Çalışma Arkadaşı Desteğinin Yenilikçi İş Davranışına Etkisinde Çalışan Hırsının Rolü · 2026 · DOIThe study identifies the need to understand the opportunities and challenges faced by Generation Z in the digital era. The paper highlights the importance of cultivating healthy digital habits and structural supports for sustainable wellbeing and social contribution.
Exploring the Opportunities and Challenges of Generation Z in the Digital Era: A Sociological Perspective · 2026 · DOIThe authors highlight the need to predict the situation in the regional youth labor market.
Future research can investigate the impact of university activities on personal life among different generations of students. The study's findings can be used to develop strategies to improve students' well-being.
The research aims to investigate the challenges faced by students during their educational journey.
There is limited research on the factors that drive quiet-quitting behaviours amongst Gen Z and Millennials in the South African context (Bangura and Lourens, 2023; Utete et al., 2023), and greater depth of academic inquiry is required. Future research should employ longitudinal designs to track changes in quiet-quitting behaviours over time and assess the effectiveness of mitigation strategies.
Quiet quitting among Gen Z and millennial employees: contributing factors and organisational mitigation strategies · 2026 · DOIThe paper also identifies the challenge of ensuring future opportunity is visible and accessible to all.
The paper identifies a gap in understanding what is coming next in the job market. It highlights the need for education systems, employers, and policymakers to adapt to the changing job market.
Addressing the gap in understanding GenZ's needs and expectations. Improving working environment for GenZ and ensuring quality of patient care.
The research focuses on the role of influencer marketing in shaping Gen Z consumers' awareness, attitudes, and buying intentions.
“A study on Gen Z customers buying Behaviour in response to online social media platforms.” · 2026 · DOIThis represents a gap in the literature and this study fills a portion of that gap by performing a literature review in the associated subject areas; a qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews (n = 19) with members of these cohorts working in site-level leadership environments in Sacramento, California; and an analysis of the results.
However, ABM, encompassing automated performance monitoring, algorithmic task allocation, and data-driven discipline, poses an underexplored challenge to Gen Z engagement by disrupting the relational pathways through which ethical leadership operates.
Most-cited papers in Generational Differences and Trends
- Generational differences: revisiting generational work values for the new millennium · Journal of Organizational Behavior · 2002 · 971 citations
- New Generation, Great Expectations: A Field Study of the Millennial Generation · Journal of Business and Psychology · 2010 · 666 citations
- Generation Z: Technology and Social Interest · The journal of individual psychology · 2015 · 651 citations
- A Review of the Empirical Evidence on Generational Differences in Work Attitudes · Journal of Business and Psychology · 2010 · 646 citations
- Generational differences in the workplace: A review of the evidence and directions for future research · Journal of Organizational Behavior · 2013 · 605 citations
- Generational differences in work values, outcomes and person‐organisation values fit · Journal of Managerial Psychology · 2008 · 537 citations
- Are You Ready for Gen Z in the Workplace? · California Management Review · 2019 · 481 citations
- Generational differences in young adults' life goals, concern for others, and civic orientation, 1966–2009. · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · 2012 · 476 citations
- Millennials in the Workplace: A Communication Perspective on Millennials’ Organizational Relationships and Performance · Journal of Business and Psychology · 2010 · 471 citations
- Generational Differences in Work-Related Attitudes: A Meta-analysis · Journal of Business and Psychology · 2012 · 442 citations
Most recent work
- A New Challenge for Dental Education: Generation Z · Odovtos - International Journal of Dental Sciences · 2026
- Determination of Nursing Students’ SelfLeadership and Lifelong Learning Tendencies and Affecting Factors · Journal of Nursology · 2026
- Bridging the AI skills gap: Preparing generation Z for the evolving job market landscape through innovative educational strategies · Industry and Higher Education · 2026
- Empathetic and inclusive leadership: job crafting and employee engagement among generation Z · Management Decision · 2026
- Attitudes of religious education teachers in Poland and Germany towards generative artificial intelligence · British Journal of Religious Education · 2026
- Strengthening strategizing and startup entrepreneurial readiness among Thai Gen Z management students: Do AI literacy, creativity, and seizing skills matter? · The International Journal of Management Education · 2026
- Beyond cohorts: how age-based differences on work engagement challenge generational determinism among Spanish professionals · Frontiers in Sociology · 2026
- Generation Z and social media: An analysis of news consumption by Communication students in South Florida (USA) · Communication & Society · 2026
- Leading Brands' Communication of Product Innovativeness to Generation Z: A Mixed‐Methods Study · International Journal of Consumer Studies · 2026
- Decoding the emotional needs of Gen Z employees: unlocking the benefits of organizational emotional capability and workplace friendship · International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management · 2026
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