Differences Between Senior Human Resources Managers and Young Millennials Leaders on the Perceived Required Leadership Competencies for the 21st Century

Abstract

As millennials take over the workforce, there is a growing concern that generational differences will require adaptations in leadership requirements to ensure organization success. Nevertheless, emerging observations question the validity of generational differences in leadership. This qualitative paper uses semi-structured interviews with senior HR managers and young leaders to explore differences in their perceptions of the required leadership competencies for the 21st century. This paper shows that there are more similarities than differences between young leaders and senior HR managers. The research does not provide evidence to support published claims of generational differences. The research limitations of this paper lie in its reliance on the accounts of senior HR managers and young leaders working in profit-based organizations in developed countries. This paper will be helpful in designing leadership training and development programs, tailoring integration programs for new employees, and recruiting potential future leaders. It will also facilitate workshops for collaboration and team performance between younger and more experienced professionals. The study contributes additional knowledge to the field of leadership by providing a unique comparison between the views of young millennial leaders and senior HR managers on leadership competencies for the 21st century.

Literature study of millennial leadership concepts to find new perspectives on leadership styles

“…According to Fore ( 2013) millennials follow managers that can strike a balance between strong performance and fostering a positive work environment. This leadership for the millennial generation is important to find because in the foreseeable future, the millennial generation will predominate in the labor force (Fotso, 2022). To manage and adjust to millennial demands effectively, new leadership competencies must be taken into account (Bayan, 2021) because younger generations do not share the millennial generationʹs perspective on leadership (Forastero et al, 2018).…”

“…This is where the importance of literature on leadership today is needed because the previous discussion of leadership is no longer in accordance with the perspective of the younger generation (Twenge & Campbell, 2008). Therefore, it requires leadership adapted to the ever-changing world (Fotso, 2022). In this regard, specialists in the science of leadership concur that in order to satisfy the demands of the 21st century, it is necessary to discover new leadership competencies (Bayan, 2021).…”

Development of Corporate Leadership Competencies in the Context of Modern Learning

“…Curriculums of every course and training need to be always up to date; for this reason, scholars have discussed new leadership competencies needed to adapt to the 21st century, which has been characterized by significant changes such as societal shifts, globalization, and technological developments (Fotso, 2022). The rapid development of digital technologies, the implementation of Europe's "green course," and major challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are just some of the current changes and challenges most managers are facing in organizations and companies across Europe and Latvia.…”