Targeted Application of the Work Design Questionnaire Using Self-Determination Theory to Generation Z

Abstract

Questionnaire surveys measuring job satisfaction at the workplace are relatively very popular and widely used methods in most organizations. Experienced methods that are still used for the current working generations may not be so effective for the upcoming Generation Z. This generation is impatient, distracted, easily lose focus and patience, and dependent on digital technologies. The main goal of the article is therefore to identify the possibility of shortening the Work Design Questionnaire (WDQ), based on the use of subareas of self-determination theory (SDT) for the needs of generation Z. Furthermore, a comparison of whether filling in both versions of the questionnaire (standard and shortened according to the SDT) will have the same indicative value. The research is based on a quantitative questionnaire survey (n=395) and a statistical evaluation of the data. The quality of the questionnaires was verified by Cronbach's α and Confirmatory factor analysis. Both versions of the questionnaires were then compared at the level of sub-parts (autonomy, competence, relatedness) by comparing the average values of the recorded answers by Wilcoxon rank. The results indicate that the WDQ can be shortened in the areas of autonomy and competence, while in area relatedness this possibility has not been proven.