Beyond the average: Uncovering genuine work values among Gen Z engineering students in Kuwait

Gen Z, shaped by constant access to technology and global content, is also influenced by broader forces like economic uncertainty, climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and globalization-driven migration. In Kuwait, globalization’s impact is seen in a highly diversified workforce introducing varied cultural norms. This combination of global challenges and local diversity may be shifting workplace expectations. Accordingly, this paper explores whether global patterns in Gen Z work values resonate in this context, and how demographic and educational factors shape the workplace orientations of Gen Z engineering students in a non-Western setting. This study adopts a quantitative research design, analyzing patterns of above- and below-average value endorsements to explore how gender, academic progression, business course exposure, and work experience interact in shaping divergent orientations toward workplace values. Gen Z engineering students in Kuwait showed strong endorsement of authentic leadership, inclusivity, and financial security. Technology and innovation, professional growth and development, and autonomy were also highly rated, while interpersonal connection showed the greatest polarization. While demographic factors played a role, limited exposure to business education was associated with lower endorsement of inclusivity, technology and innovation, and authentic leadership, particularly when considered alongside academic progression, gender, and work experience. The study adds to the literature on Gen Z work values and the role of business and interdisciplinary education in engineering programs in sustaining key workplace values. It highlights the need for future research to strengthen the generalizability of the findings.