Motivating and Retaining Generation Z Faculty Members in Private Universities

Abstract

Private universities in Indonesia are self-sustaining as they depend mainly on enrollments for revenues.  Human capital is the main asset that they must sagaciously manage and constantly rejuvenate.  With millennials constituting 40% of the country's population, this study aims to identify the performance factors of Generation Z faculty members in private universities to attain long-term sustainability. These second-wave millennials enter the workforce early compared to other generations, possess high work ambitions, but they are fraught with stress when striving to achieve higher performance and establishing long-term commitment.  The phenomenology research strategy was undertaken in five private universities. Triangulation methodology through interviews, observations, and archives, in addition to source triangulation that involves 20 informants made up of faculty members and their direct supervisors were conducted.  The findings denoted the significance of individual motivation, self-determination, job satisfaction, and organization commitment to achieve performance.  Furthermore, this study offers insights for leadership to embrace their generation Z faculty members for the longevity of the institutions.   Received: 30 October 2020 / Accepted: 11 December 2020 / Published: 17 January 2021