Fostering the sustainability of organizational learning: reviewing the role of Gen-Z employees

Abstract

Purpose Organizations must be resilient to be agile and sensitive to numerous shifting situations due to the pandemic. There is limited research on how to bring the disparate perspectives and requirements of different generational cohorts in companies together to achieve outcomes that encourage organizational development and sustainability. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to explore how Gen Z’s competencies can be banked upon to foster organizational learning to sustain. Design/methodology/approach Considering the constantly changing scenario in business organizations and the growing need for organizational learning to sustain, the authors have conducted an extensive review of the literature to understand how to sustain organizational learning for and through Gen Z. An integrative secondary search was carried out for specific and relevant work on the topic. The authors have considered both empirical and qualitative studies in their review to highlight the various themes that emerge from the extant literature. Findings The study indicates that much of the knowledge and experience is filtered through a generational lens, and organizations must encourage the development of Gen Z employees through e-learning, psychological contract, intrapreneurship and reverse mentoring. Based on the findings, the authors have proposed an ICES model which unifies the above four factors. The proposed ICES model encompasses specific interventions of having an Integrated 360 degrees learning experience (I), Coaching leadership for enabling intrapreneurship (C), revamping EVP for Gen Z-specific psychological contract (E) and building a Skill-will inventory for reverse mentoring (S). Practical implications There is limited research on how to bring the disparate perspectives and requirements of different generational cohorts in companies together to achieve outcomes that encourage organizational development and sustainability. This study will enable organizations to break down generational barriers, enhance organizational harmony, foster initiative and innovation and boost organizational performance through sustained organizational learning. Originality/value In view of the pandemic situation, organizations need to adapt not just their systems and processes but also to look for ways to engage their talent. The proposed ICES model will enable the sustainability of organizational learning for and through the Gen Z workforce by fostering individual development and organizational performance.