When Generation Z Meets Kekeluargaan: A Qualitative Study in Indonesia
Year: 2026
Type: dissertation
Abstract: : Kekeluargaan shapes Indonesian organisational culture, and perceived organisational support (POS) may influence Generation Z's adaptation in the workplace. This study examines the influence of kekeluargaan on Generation Z’s workplace cultural adjustment in Indonesian workplaces, comparing local companies and multinational corporations (MNCs), and explores POS as a mediating mechanism in helping Generation Z adapt in the workplace. This study employed qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews with ten participants, five HR specialists and five Generation Z employees from local companies and MNCs. Data was analysed using a hybrid thematic analysis, combining inductive and deductive approaches. The findings reveal that kekeluargaan shapes Generation Z's adaptation through four practices: respect for hierarchy, trust-based working relationships, strong interpersonal bonding in the workplace, and maintaining professionalism in flexible work systems. Meanwhile, kekeluargaan shapes POS practices through structured onboarding, guidance from superiors, supportive leadership communication, and feeling valued by the organisation. In the Indonesian context, this shows a mutual adjustment process where organisations adapt their support practices to Generation Z's preferences, while Generation Z employees navigate kekeluargaan-based workplace norms. Theoretically, this study integrates kekeluargaan, POS theory, and Generation Z cultural adjustment in the Indonesian workplace by demonstrating how kekeluargaan shapes and delivers POS through bapakism, musyawarah mufakat, and gotong royong. Practically, it suggests that organisations should provide structured onboarding, supportive superiors, recognition, and bonding activities to facilitate Generation Z’s cultural adjustment.
Authors: Veny, Hermawan, Marko
Institution: Binus University
Language: English
Subfield: Life-span and Life-course Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7166512934