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TENAGLIA_THESIS_2024.pdf (721.79 KB)

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Redefining Professionalism: Generation Z's Perceptions of Workplace Dress and Appearance

Tenaglia, Carlyssa Marie
http://orcid.org/0009-0009-4397-5004
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1714410109339576

Abstract Details

2024, MFIS, Kent State University, College of the Arts / School of Fashion.
The purpose of this research is to understand professional appearance from Generation Z’s perspective to: (1) Combat stereotypes and increase unity in a multigenerational workforce, (2) Limit employee turnover, (3) Decrease confusion on professional appearance norms in a post-pandemic era. Generation Z (born 1996-2010) is the next generation of professionals, the most diverse generation, and has different values and expectations in the workplace than previous generations (Leslie et al., 2021; LeDuc, 2019; Mann, 2022; Marchman et al., 2019; Dorsey & Villa, 2020; Kelly, 2022). In addition, COVID-19 and remote work have created confusion in terms of dress expectations at work, creating an opportunity to address previous problems associated with professional appearance and dress, such as cultural exclusivity (Ferguson & Dougherty, 2022; Gray, 2019). As the youngest of the Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) near retirement, it will be up to the next generation of professionals to replenish the workforce (Berkup, 2014; Dorsey & Villa, 2020). Employers will face retainment challenges as Generation Z members are less loyal to a single workplace than previous generations and have higher turnover rates (Berkup, 2014; Chillakuri & Mahanandia, 2018). This study was conducted using surveys (open-ended & multiple choice) and participants were Generation Z members 18-26 years old. Qualitative analysis was used to interpret results (Saldaña, 2021). The research questions were: (1) Does dress and appearance impact Generation Z’s perceptions of professionalism? (2) How does Generation Z interpret professional appearance? The results showed dress and appearance are impactful to Generation Z’s perceptions of professionalism. Three main criteria were identified in how participants perceived and measured professional appearance: Styling and Presentation, What You Wear, Demeanor.
Michelle Burton (Advisor)
Rachel LoMonaco-Benzing (Committee Member)
Jonghan Hyun (Advisor)
53 p.
Aesthetics; Epistemology; Management; Social Psychology
Generation Z; Professional Appearance; Workplace Dress

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Tenaglia, C. M. (2024). Redefining Professionalism: Generation Z's Perceptions of Workplace Dress and Appearance [Master's thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1714410109339576

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Tenaglia, Carlyssa. Redefining Professionalism: Generation Z's Perceptions of Workplace Dress and Appearance. 2024. Kent State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1714410109339576.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Tenaglia, Carlyssa. "Redefining Professionalism: Generation Z's Perceptions of Workplace Dress and Appearance." Master's thesis, Kent State University, 2024. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1714410109339576

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent1714410109339576
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© 2024, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.