Authentic leadership as an element of employer value proposition and a feature of employer of choice: generations (Z)Alpha expectations

Abstract

The aim of the article is to identify the expectations of the Polish (Z)Alpha generation regarding authentic leadership and assessing whether the fulfilment of these expectations by organisations ensures their recognition as employers of choice. Empirical research was carried out in Poland (N = 446). Quota sampling was used, with respondents being adults aged 19 to 22 years. We validated the Polish version of the Authentic Leadership Integrated Questionnaire (AL-IQ). We built and evaluated a conceptual model in which the construct of authentic leadership was the independent variable, psychological safety, work flexibility, and creativity at work were mediators, and the employer of choice was the dependent variable. The findings have shown that Polish (Z)Alphas expect authentic leaders to provide them with satisfactory working conditions and satisfying work content. The expectations regarding authentic leadership have a significant positive effect on the recognition of an organisation as an employer of choice. The expectations associated with authentic leadership have been shown to have a positive impact on expectations regarding psychological safety, work flexibility, and creativity in the workplace. The expectation regarding psychological safety fully mediates the effect of anticipated authentic leadership on the perception of an employer's attractiveness. Therefore, the employment value proposition for the Polish Generation (Z)Alpha should include authentic leadership, psychological safety, work flexibility, and creative professional tasks. Employers should constantly diagnose young peoples’ expectations related to work and adapt them in the employment value proposition.