Managing generation Z teachers’ behavior by generation X principals: Cultural clash or generational synergy? A comparative analysis of generations in the school context

Boroojerdi, Sima; Mousavy, Seyedkarim

doi:10.22034/jitle.2025.525810.1035

Managing generation Z teachers’ behavior by generation X principals: Cultural clash or generational synergy? A comparative analysis of generations in the school context

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

sima boroojerdi ¹

seyedkarim mousavy ² ^¶

¹ گروه مدیریت بازر گانی ،دانشکده مدیریت ،دانشگاه ازاد اسلامی ،ورامین ،ایران

² گروه مدیریت، واحد ورامین-پیشوا، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی ، ورامین ، ایران

10.22034/jitle.2025.525810.1035

Abstract

The present study aims to develop a conceptual model for managing the professional behavior of Generation Z teachers by Generation X principals within the context of Iran’s educational system. Given the generational shift in school environments and the growing presence of Generation Z teachers alongside Generation X administrators, intergenerational interaction has become one of the most critical challenges and necessities in educational leadership. This research adopted a mixed-methods design (quantitative–qualitative) and employed a descriptive–analytical theoretical approach. Data were collected through both document analysis and field surveys. In the quantitative phase, the perspectives of 120 Generation Z teachers and 40 Generation X principals from the educational districts of Nowshahr, Chalous, and Kelardasht were gathered using researcher-made questionnaires and analyzed using statistical tests, including independent-sample t-test, Friedman test, ANOVA, and Tukey's post-hoc test. In the qualitative phase, a directed–inductive thematic analysis was conducted, resulting in the extraction of key themes across four main dimensions related to the research questions. The quantitative findings revealed a significant difference between teachers’ and principals’ perceptions of common leadership styles. Notably, Generation Z teachers expressed a marked preference for transformational leadership over other styles.

Keywords

Generation Z teachers

Generation X principals

educational leadership

intergenerational interaction

transformational leadership

digital behavior

Subjects