Motivational Drivers and Overall Motivation of Generation Z Employees: Evidence from the Banking Sector of an Emerging Market
Keywords:
Banking Sector, Generation Z (Gen Z), Multidimensional Work Motivation Scale (MDWMS), Self-Determination Theory (SDT), Work MotivationAbstract
This study examines the effect of selected motivational drivers on the overall motivation of Generation Z bankers in Sri Lanka. The Multidimensional Work Motivation Scale has been operationalized to assess a trifold outcome of overall motivation based on self-determination theory while gender and education have been taken as moderators. A survey of employees born between 1995 and 2010 at five commercial banks was analyzed using structural equation modeling to test proposed pathways and moderators. The results indicate (1) intrinsic motivation positively affects Overall Motivation, (2) gender influences the impact of introjected regulation (3) education affects the impact of external regulation. The findings contribute to engaging work environments and customized motivational strategies across diverse segments of Generation Z. The focus on banking limits the ability to generalize, suggesting the need for future comparisons across different sectors and market contexts.
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