Construction of Work Values and Meaning Among Generation Z: A Qualitative Study on Motivation, Productivity Meaning, And Job Satisfaction

Agus Salen ; Romansyah Sahabuddin ; Chalid Imran Musa ; Thamrin Tahir ; Agung Widhi Kurniawan
Proceeding of the International Conference on Econ... 📅 2025 Vol 2, No 2 🔗 DOI: 10.61132/iceat.v2i2.176
Abstract
This study explores how Generation Z constructs work values and meaning in modern organizations shaped by digitalization and social transformation. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach under a social constructivist paradigm, the research investigates the lived experiences of young professionals in the digital, creative, and startup sectors. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and non-participant observation and analyzed using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006; Moustakas, 1994). Findings show that Generation Z defines work through three interrelated dimensions: (1) intrinsic motivation grounded in personal purpose and self-expression, (2) redefined productivity emphasizing creativity and emotional balance rather than quantitative output, and (3) job satisfaction derived from inclusive culture and adaptive leadership. These results support Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000) and Social Constructionism (Berger & Luckmann, 1966), showing that work meaning is socially constructed rather than objectively given. Overall, the study concludes that for Generation Z, work represents not merely economic activity but a medium for identity, contribution, and personal growth, urging organizations to embrace meaning-centered and value-driven leadership to enhance engagement and fulfillment.
Keywords
Generation Z; Job Satisfaction; Motivation; Productivity; Work Meaning
How to Cite

Agus Salen, et al. (2025). Construction of Work Values and Meaning Among Generation Z: A Qualitative Study on Motivation, Productivity Meaning, And Job Satisfaction. Proceeding of the International Conference on Economics, Accounting, and Taxation, 2(2). https://doi.org/10.61132/iceat.v2i2.176

Agus Salen; Romansyah Sahabuddin; Chalid Imran Musa; Thamrin Tahir; Agung Widhi Kurniawan, "Construction of Work Values and Meaning Among Generation Z: A Qualitative Study on Motivation, Productivity Meaning, And Job Satisfaction," Proceeding of the International Conference on Economics, Accounting, and Taxation, vol. 2, no. 2, 2025.

Agus Salen; Romansyah Sahabuddin; Chalid Imran Musa; Thamrin Tahir; Agung Widhi Kurniawan. "Construction of Work Values and Meaning Among Generation Z: A Qualitative Study on Motivation, Productivity Meaning, And Job Satisfaction." Proceeding of the International Conference on Economics, Accounting, and Taxation, vol. 2, no. 2, 2025.

Agus Salen; Romansyah Sahabuddin; Chalid Imran Musa; Thamrin Tahir; Agung Widhi Kurniawan. "Construction of Work Values and Meaning Among Generation Z: A Qualitative Study on Motivation, Productivity Meaning, And Job Satisfaction." Proceeding of the International Conference on Economics, Accounting, and Taxation 2, no. 2 (2025).

Agus Salen, et al. (2025) 'Construction of Work Values and Meaning Among Generation Z: A Qualitative Study on Motivation, Productivity Meaning, And Job Satisfaction', Proceeding of the International Conference on Economics, Accounting, and Taxation, 2(2). doi: 10.61132/iceat.v2i2.176.

Agus Salen; Romansyah Sahabuddin; Chalid Imran Musa; Thamrin Tahir; Agung Widhi Kurniawan. Construction of Work Values and Meaning Among Generation Z: A Qualitative Study on Motivation, Productivity Meaning, And Job Satisfaction. Proceeding of the International Conference on Economics, Accounting, and Taxation. 2025;2(2).

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