By Gerald Nyanjua Amolo 

Today the level of dynamism is unlike anything that came before it and as such, businesses are put under immense pressure. With the advancement in technology, today’s world is complex for an organization to survive. Amidst these challenges, a new generation has started taking a stand – Generation Z or Gen Z, which spans from 1997 to 2012, has started to transform the future of business in terms of innovation, sustainability, and resilience. Thus, for any business that wants to be successful in the twenty-first century, it has become a prerequisite to understand and harness the generative capacity of Generation Z. 

The Gen Z Mindset: A New Business Management Model 

They have known nothing other than being connected through the internet, and using social media as a mainstream way of interfacing with people, this generation is digitally native, globally minded, and cognizant of the interdependence of structures and societies. These characteristics are translated into the attitude that innovation is not only a tool for generating extra money but also for addressing the needs of society. Generation Z does not simply conduct business for the sake of monetary gains; they are out to change the world. 

The said mentality leads Gen Z to establish and patronize companies that have sustainable, ethical, and socially responsible operations. They will not accept the current state of affairs and are ready to disrupt conventional ways of doing business to build something new. For instance, they will buy products from organizations that are open about their effects on the environment and are pulled towards brands that reflect their beliefs in equality and fairness. 

Innovation as a Catalyst for Sustainability

Among other factors, one of the most notable features of Gen Z is the ability to use technology that was unavailable to previous generations. It’s not a matter of using the most up-to-date applications and sites; it is a case of embracing the appropriate technological approach. Many Generation Z entrepreneurs are applying technology to society to bring new changes to the economy. 

For instance, Gen Z is not only a consumer of the gig economy but also its creators. This flexibility and preparedness for change make Gen Z a formidable force when charting the course for building a company that has immense staying power. In addition, in a world where change is the only constant, it becomes vital for businesses to be constant with changes as quickly as possible. Above that, one may note that while distinguishing Generation Z, there is a connection between innovation and sustainability. They realized it is not merely about leading through an economic cycle but about creating organizations that could operate in a world with an environment.  

Sustainability – What makes Generation Z different from previous generations? The next part will be devoted to the Fundamental Pillar of Future Commerce.  

This emphasis on sustainability has now altered green innovation across the various sectors of the economy. For example, in fashion Gen Z businesspersons have risen to the challenge of designing fashionable and ethical fashion brands that are not associated with the evils of fast fashion industries. Bio-fabrics and generating attractive and naturally effective products are some of the things that they are using it for. In the energy sector, generation Z innovators are developing sustainable power solutions that are far better than the current ones in the market. They are also ahead in the program of cutting down carbon emissions, and the circular economy program as well. The scarcity here is not that it has been able to incur the least negative impact as much as policy changes that affect the business models are concerned. 

Through globalization, the current Gen Z is more knowledgeable than the previous generations; therefore, it will be wise to seek help from experienced business people. Thus, mentors will be in a position to explain to the young innovators what they should not do and how they should do it to be great innovators in a very short time. 

Collaboration: Key Gen Z insights: The promise 

To realize the full potential of Gen Z in contributing effectively to the achievements of businesses, the businesses themselves need to work in harmony. This means engaging with Gen Z at both the employee and the entrepreneurship level, as well as cultivating the ability to support their ideas. Those organizations that espouse a work culture that encourages and allows for innovation, as well as the consideration of diversity, have the potential to get the best talent in this generation from Gen Z. 

This is not only limited to the intra-organizational aspects but it goes with the extra-organizational aspects too. For Gen Z, the population is connected, and they understand that collaboration is the key to success. Therefore, they can be expected to actively engage other firms, NGOs, and governmental organizations in efforts to find solutions to global challenges. 

For example, the concept of social entrepreneurship is the result of the collaborative approach by Gen Z where many initiatives are based on involving multiple stakeholders to deal with poverty, education, etc. As such, there is an understanding that by allying, they create products that can have a social impact. 

What might be unknown to many is that the innovative ability of Gen Z is not some sort of a prospect on the horizon; it is real and already underway. This is because of their stewardship, their ability to appreciate and adapt technology, as well as their concerted efforts of major players involved, which are the key success factors in creating sustainable organizations that are capable of supporting the twentieth century. The future is bright for those companies that would like to associate with this new generation and help them unleash what lurks within them. 

Gerald Nyanjua Amolo is a practising Landscape Architect and the Founder of Apex Designs and Consultants, an architectural firm known for its innovative and sustainable design solutions, with a passion for creating harmonious environments that blend functionality with aesthetics. Email: geraldnyanjua@gmail.com.