PhD Study : Understanding Generation Z; an examination of their entrepreneurial potential and the implications for employers

Summary

Generation Z includes those born since the mid-nineties; the oldest, now being in their early twenties, are just beginning to enter the workforce, (Gibb and Hannon 2011).  They are identified as ‘Children of the Internet’, the ‘Digital Generation’ or ‘Digital Natives’; they are media savvy, members of the ‘dot.com Generation’ or the ‘iGeneration’, (Singh and Dangmei, 2016; Johnson, 2015). Born into a ‘tech heavy’ society (Wiedmer, 2015; Singh and Dangmei, 2016; Premack, 2018), they take in information quickly but, compared to previous generations, they apparently have a shorter attention span (Generational White Paper, 2011; Williams, 2015) and are less likely to partake in risky behaviour, (Weller, 2017).

Notwithstanding their apparent adverse attitude to risk Generation Z are viewed as the most entrepreneurial generation ‘so far’ (Gibbons, 2018; Lufkin, 2018). Research in the USA and in the popular press reveals that 77% of children would like to be their own boss and 45% would like to have their own business (Calderon, 2011), including 42% of Generation Z females, (Wilen, 2016). Bresman and Rao (2017), identify Generation Z as having such high expectations of their potential that could potentially cause major issues when a greater number of this generation join the workforce. Generation Z values education but not the idea of student loans. Extant research, however, does not yet appear to have a sufficiently deep understanding of the influences and opinions of Generation Z with respect to entrepreneurial endeavour or their attitudes to employment including self-employment.

There are generational nuances here that need to be explored and understood regarding Generation Z.  This issue is compounded by the evolving labour market globally which is resulting in redesigned job roles, role elimination and emergence of new roles driven by economic, demographic and technological developments.  Current academic research in relation to Generation Z is limited, with much of what is known originating from popular media sources rather than academic research, (Rampton 2018; Bresman and Rao, 2017). Rampton (2018) suggests that ’Generation Z’ are unlike generations before them and that researchers need to better understand this constituency particularly as they approach working age. Weidmer (2015) suggests ‘most of the traits that will define this generation have yet to emerge’ (p55).

Furthermore, many businesses are already beginning to highlight their concerns about this new generation entering the workforce (ACAS, 2016), believing them to be less collaborative and self-centered than millennials, (Alsop, 2015). The potential opportunities, contradictions and challenges that define Generation Z are clearly emergent as is understanding of the potential of this generation to contribute entrepreneurially and economically.

The aim of this research therefore is to extend understanding of Generation Z, their entrepreneurial potential and the implications for employers. Consistent with other research focusing on generational behaviours and attitudes to entrepreneurial intention, including self-employment and employment, this research project will adopt a mixed methodology, (Mihalcea, 2012; Berkup, 2014; Bresman and Rao, 2017) focusing on the N Ireland context.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Masters at 65%

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living