COMMON LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS, PERSONALITY TRAITS, AND BEHAVIORS THAT GENERATIONS X, Y, AND Z LEADERS FIND EFFECTIVE FOR SHARED LEADERSHIP: A FORMAL, INFORMAL, AND RATIONAL APPROACH

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to explore the leadership characteristics, personality traits, and behaviors common to Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z leaders in developing formal, informal, and rational approaches to shared leadership. Businesses across numerous industries use shared leadership models. They have eliminated vertical leadership models. Integrating shared leadership poses unique challenges as businesses incorporate Generation X and Generation Y leaders. Generation X leaders focus on decision-making processes, experience, competency, and time management, while Generation Y leaders focus on creativity, determination, and ambition. Research exploring team leadership styles exists, but little research exists examining the factors contributing to effective shared leadership by Generation X and Generation Y leaders and particularly Generation Z future leaders. This research will use mixed methodology (qualitative and quantitative) to understand perspectives from business leaders and will identify viewpoints on best practices to promote sustainability. The research will identify traits common to Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z leaders. This will be used to understand how to best develop formal and informal approaches to effective shared leadership. Thirty Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z participants with leadership experience will participate. This research will provide data from which specific recommendations for formal, informal, and rational approach (es) to effective shared leadership may be drawn. Keywords Shared leadership, Generation X, Generation Y, Generation Z, Teamwork, Leadership