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Name: The Gen Z Effect
Rating: 4.2 (42 reviews)
Author: Thomas Koulopoulus and Dan Keldsen

Thomas Koulopoulus Dan Keldsen

The Six Forces Shaping the Future of Business

4.2 (42 ratings)

17 mins

Brief summary

The Gen Z Effect by Thomas Koulopoulus and Dan Keldsen explores the unique characteristics and behaviors of Generation Z and how they are changing the world. It offers insights for businesses and individuals to adapt to this new generation.

Topics

Innovation Hiring Work Culture Digital Transformation

Table of Contents

The Gen Z Effect
Summary of 8 key ideas

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Key idea 1 of 8

What’s in it for me? Be part of the technology-driven Generation Z.

The world is moving faster and faster, technology is rapidly evolving and an ever-larger section of the population needs to catch up with the latest developments. So how can we deal with this brave new world? And how will our businesses thrive on the effects of future developments?

The Gen Z Effect is what happens when technology is used to unite rather than divide generations, and so Generation Z isn’t a demographic construct, but a set of generation-crossing behaviors shaped by the newest technology. You will learn about the mind-set, behaviors and forces that are Gen Z, and discover how they can affect the future of business.

In these blinks you’ll also find

that 15 generations could be living alongside one another by 2080;
that offices might soon be a thing of the past; and
why young tech-savvies can be a company’s most valuable asset.

Generational differences have shaped our world and our workplaces.

We had the baby boomers and Generation X. So what’s next? A generation truly unlike anything that came before it: Generation Z. But before diving into what today’s kids mean for our future, let’s take a closer look at how generations have shaped our recent history.

Every generation has its own character, defined by the conditions they faced growing up. While a young person coming of age in the 1940s faced the terrors of the Second World War, the following generation – the Boomers – grew up in a society that strove for peace. Some issues, such as terrorism and economic crisis, may bridge generations.

Yet until now, generational differences have created well-known divides between demographics. And it’s not just a matter of you disagreeing with your parents. Research by the authors reveals that innovative thinking in companies is often hindered by the tension between old and new.

However, workplaces that are divided by generational differences simply won’t survive in the years to come. Why? Because the next generation is a different one altogether, with six driving forces that give it the potential to reach incredible success – if we can learn to adapt.

The Gen Z mindset is one of openness to change and progress.

Generation Z. It’s been described as the last real generation, but why? Well, because generational differences such as those that separated Generations X and Y may soon cease to exist altogether.

For some, using objects made of metal, plastic and glass to order groceries or meet people is quite novel. But for members of Generation Z, they’re just mundane activities that don’t require a second thought.

A Gen Z attitude will help us cope with challenging demographic changes.

Six different forces will influence business in the future. The first is demographic change, with its radical impacts on society and the way we do business. So what does demographic change look like?

In recent decades, mortality has largely decreased. More and more people are gaining access to clean water, food, education and medicine. At the same time, increased access to contraception means people are having fewer children. Ageing populations are emerging all over the world as a result.

Our world is hyperconnected and your employees should be too.

You’re probably using a tablet or smartphone to read these blinks right now. Only a few years ago, this would have been unbelievable. Today we embrace our new, ever-online world. Our state of hyperconnection is force number two.

Some aspects of technology are really quite astonishing. Take our rapidly increasing interactions with devices, for example. Can you guess how many times you connect each day? It’s about 243 times on average, whether it’s your car’s GPS, your phone or your laptop.

Products that feature simplicity, availability and adaptability will lead the market.

There was a time when smartphones were cutting edge and reserved for a select few. But in an astoundingly short time they became affordable and accessible. Today, owning a smartphone is the norm, and excellent example of slingshotting technology. Slingshotting is force number three.

Three things determine whether a tech product will slingshot, or become rapidly and widely available. First, it needs to be simple and easy to use. Secondly, it should increase the availability of the user, allowing them to be online more often. And finally, the technology must be able to collect data from the users in order to adapt to their needs.

Companies don’t just need funds to make an impact: they need a loyal community of supporters.

Through TV, newspapers, radio, the internet or on the streets, we are bombarded with ads every day. In the last century, a memorable ad needed a big budget. But in our hyperconnective world, expensive production just won’t cut it. You need force four: the shift from affluence to influence, or loyalty.

Say a company like Coca-Cola wants to launch a new line of products. Previously they might have taken a large chunk out of their ad funds to launch a campaign. But with the rise of the internet, consumers have countless opportunities to express their opinions. So the challenge of maintaining a good reputation is far greater today.

The future of education will no longer be bound by age or location.

Wouldn’t it be great to have a new skill or qualification? Many of us would love the opportunity to learn but worry that we won’t have the time, or that it’s far too late anyway. If that’s the case, then you’d better think again!

Force five: Education is no longer a matter of age or location. The traditional process of completing school, perhaps moving on to college or university, then ending our education when we choose a job, may soon be a thing of the past.

Lifehacking is Gen Z’s bold new approach to problem-solving.

The sixth and final force that defines Gen Z is lifehacking. For those who haven’t heard the new buzzword already, lifehacking refers to innovative and creative problem solving that saves time and money by departing from accepted methods.

Lifehacking means using the opportunities that hyperconnectivity presents to deal with different problems. Take fundraising. A few years back, the City of Honolulu needed a new website. The first estimate they were given by web designers amounted to $9,300,300 of tax payer’s money.

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What is The Gen Z Effect about?

The Gen Z Effect (2014) shines a light on the changes that we face in a hyperconnected world, both as individuals and in business. By embracing the mind-set and innovations of Generation Z, we can manage these changes and unite to create a brighter future for a world that no longer divides itself into generations.

The Gen Z Effect Review

The Gen Z Effect (2014) explores the profound influence of the Generation Z mindset on the future of business, technology, and society at large. Here are three reasons why this book is worth reading:

Offers insightful observations and research on the emerging Gen Z population, helping readers understand their unique traits and behaviors.
Explores compelling case studies and success stories of organizations that effectively tap into Gen Z's potential, inspiring readers with innovative ideas for growth.
Highlights the importance of collaboration between generations in order to leverage the Gen Z Effect, offering practical strategies for businesses and individuals alike.

Best quote from The Gen Z Effect

We are all – if we care to be – builders of the future.

—Thomas Koulopoulus and Dan Keldsen

Who should read The Gen Z Effect?

Companies looking to lead their market in a hyperconnected world
Managers who want to learn more about which future technologies will boost their teams‘ productivity
Those interested in the employment and education opportunities that Generation Z will bring

About the Author

Thomas Koulopoulus is the founder of the Delphi Group. InformationWeek called him one of the most influential information management consultants and has written nine books about major shifts in social media, business and technology.

Dan Keldsen is a senior business strategist at NFP Health with more than 20 years of working experience as consultant, technologist and analyst. He co-led groundbreaking research on attitudinal differences between baby boomers and millennials and was noted as one of the Most Influential Enterprise 2.0 Writers of 2009 by SeekOmega.

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Corporate Culture Management & Leadership

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