Preliminary communication
https://doi.org/10.17559/JF-2026040000034
CAREER PREFERENCES OF GENERATION Z – JOB SECURITY OR ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION
Katarina Kulić
; Lavoslav Ružička University of Applied Sciences, Vukovar, 2 Blage Zadre Street, 32000 Vukovar, Croatia
*
Matej Galić
; Lavoslav Ružička University of Applied Sciences, Vukovar, 2 Blage Zadre Street, 32000 Vukovar, Croatia
Marko Galić
; Lavoslav Ružička University of Applied Sciences, Vukovar, 2 Blage Zadre Street, 32000 Vukovar, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Changes in the contemporary labour market, characterized by digitalization and increased flexibility of employment forms, are reshaping traditional career patterns. Generation Z demonstrates a tendency toward autonomy while simultaneously operating in a context in which job security remains highly valued. The aim of this paper is to examine the career orientation of Generation Z students along a continuum between secure employment and an entrepreneurial career. The study is conceptually grounded in models of career choice and entrepreneurship and includes risk perception, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and the need for autonomy. The empirical research was conducted using a survey method on a sample of N = 45 students, applying descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. The results showed a statistically significant negative relationship between risk perception and entrepreneurial career orientation, while entrepreneurial self-efficacy and the need for autonomy were positively associated with entrepreneurial orientation. The strongest relationship was identified between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial career orientation. The contribution of the paper lies in the development of an integrated model of Generation Z career orientation and implications for the education system and labour market.
Keywords
autonomy, Generation Z, risk perception, entrepreneurship, secure employment
Hrčak ID:
352822
URI
Publication date:
31.10.2026.
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