Exploring Work Expectations of National FFA Alumni Belonging to Generation Z
With the accelerating pace of Baby Boomer retirements from the workforce, agricultural companies need to understand how to recruit and retain the upcoming generation of workers. The generation currently entering the workforce has been labeled Generation Z. The purpose of this study was to describe workplace attractiveness factors for FFA members belonging to Generation Z. Research questions were: 1) What factors of employer attractiveness is considered important to FFA Alumni belonging to Gen. Z and 2) What is the relationship between the respondents’ demographics and the factors/values of employer attractiveness?
The population for this study were past FFA members between the ages of 18 and 25 who were a part of one of three groups: American Degree recipients, FFA Alumni, or Forever Blue Network. This study was conducted in the spring of 2023 using Qualtrics. Conclusions from this study include agricultural employers must incorporate the five workplace attractiveness values into their organizational culture, policies, and practices; Generation Z employees who are unwilling to move for the job are less likely to be willing to meet company expectations beyond a typical work week; and Generation Z employees with a BS degree value a supportive company.
Agricultural employers can use the findings from this study to tailor their recruitment strategies and the findings can also guide School-Based Agricultural Education in its preparation of students for agricultural careers while ensuring the industry's continual growth and relevance by aligning education, career pathways, and employer engagement with the preferences of Generation Z.
Funding
National FFA Organization
History
Degree Type
- Master of Science
Department
- Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication
Campus location
- West Lafayette