Generation Z Need for Mentor Support

Abstract

The article strives to determine whether Generation Z representatives exhibit a need for mentoring support. The theoretical part of the article discusses the benefits of mentoring as well as the characteristics of Generation Z. Based on an analysis of the literature on the subject, it was found that certain characteristics of this generation (including expectations of career, work content, working conditions, and gratification) indicate that its representatives could be interested in the support of a mentor. The empirical part presents the results of a survey conducted in 2019 among 345 people born between 1993 and 1998. These results were analyzed taking into account the sex of the respondents. The survey questionnaire defined a mentor as a senior and more experienced employee who, in a process of intensive interpersonal exchange, provides the mentee with support, direction, and feedback on professional and personal development plans. The conclusions of the study address two main research questions: 1) Do the representatives of Generation Z believe that pursuing their careers requires the support of a mentor? 2) Do they know who can help them achieve their career vision?