Exploring generational differences in corporate culture perception and career orientation in the environment of family businesses
Vol. 18, No 3, 2025
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Zuzana Hajduova
Faculty of Business Management, University of Economics in Bratislava, Slovakia zuzana.hajduova@euba.sk ORCID 0000-0002-9381-776X |
Exploring generational differences in corporate culture perception and career orientation in the environment of family businesses |
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Ladislav Mura
Faculty of Commerce, University of Economics in Bratislava, Slovakia ladislav.mura@euba.sk ORCID 0000-0002-2453-8740 Miroslava Ostrihoňova
Faculty of Business Management, University of Economics in Bratislava, Slovakia miroslava.ostrihonova@euba.sk ORCID 0000-0002-4175-0575
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Abstract. This study investigates how Generations X, Y, and Z perceive selected dimensions of corporate culture, focusing on open communication, innovation support, attitudes toward technology, and responses to mistakes in the workplace. The research is set within a broader context of digital transformation and investigates how generational identity influences motivation and engagement in family business settings. A quantitative design was employed using a standardized online questionnaire administered in Slovakia between September 2024 and January 2025. Data from a purposive sample of 156 respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and the Kruskal–Wallis test to examine generational differences across variables such as AI perception, ESG orientation, and organizational identification. The results did not reveal statistically significant differences between generations, although descriptive trends suggest that Generation Z shows a more favorable attitude toward AI and innovation. All generational cohorts reported similarly positive perceptions of corporate culture. The findings indicate that generational affiliation may be less relevant than previously assumed when implementing motivational tools and digital technologies in family businesses. This highlights the importance of designing inclusive organizational practices that transcend age-based segmentation and align with broader cultural and technological developments. |
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Received: February, 2025 1st Revision: August, 2025 Accepted: September, 2025 |
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DOI: 10.14254/2071-8330.2025/18-3/11
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JEL Classification: M12, M14, M54 |
Keywords: motivation, corporate culture, generation, family businesses |
