Introduction 

Leadership is transforming, and at the forefront of this change is Generation Z. As the first generation to grow up in a fully digital world, Gen Z brings a unique set of values and expectations to leadership, especially in business schools, where student life is changed to become a better leader of the future.
 

A study on Gen Z leadership discovered that their style focuses on intra-organizational communication through support, empathy, and respect-driven management.
 

These new leaders are redefining being in charge, with a focus on inclusivity, ethics, and purpose-driven business. You could add this research-backed statement to your blog.

A New Chapter of Leadership at Business Schools

Traditionally, business schools have been focused on competitive advantage, financial acumen, and hierarchical leadership. However, Gen Z students are reshaping these priorities, favoring collaboration over competition, purpose over profit, and inclusivity over exclusivity.
 

A February 2024 survey in Indonesia found that 87% of Gen Z prefer fair leaders, reflecting their strong emphasis on equity and ethical leadership. 
 

Institutions like ESCP are adapting to these changing dynamics, integrating courses and initiatives that align with these evolving values.

Key Leadership Values Redefined by Gen Z

Purpose-Driven Leadership Over Profit-Driven Leadership

Gen Z leaders are not about the money but about making a difference. This has found its expression in recent years through a greater emphasis on sustainable business models, ethical decision-making, and corporate social responsibility, or CSR, in business school curricula. 

Classes on impact investing and social entrepreneurship have become attractive for students, who will subsequently design businesses that help shareholders and society at large.

Inclusivity and Diversity as Leadership Foundations

While earlier generations treated diversity practices as a choice, Gen Z sees it as an indispensable element of leadership. Research analysis shows them to value diversity and inclusiveness through embracing warm, considerate, and egoless communication.

Student organizations and leadership programs in business schools actively include diversity in their structures. This generation believes that different perspectives fuel innovation and that true leadership involves creating spaces where all voices are heard and valued.

This commitment to inclusivity is not merely in terms of gender and race. It covers neurodiversity, socio-economic diversity, and access for the differently abled. 

Ethical Leadership and Transparency

Gen Z leaders value honesty, integrity, and ethical decision-making. They can expect the same from their institutions and future workplaces. 

According to a study, Gen Z has ethical leadership qualities with respect towards fairness and offering equal opportunities as well, so gender and background would not dominate roles in the workplace or treatment.

As digital natives, they have witnessed the unfolding of corporate scandals in real time on social media, so there is a serious distrust for opaque leadership. Ethics courses and case studies on responsible leadership at business schools are now significant areas of focus.

Another key feature is transparency. Gen Z looks for transparent leadership and institutions. This can be seen in how student life is organized in a modern business school, where student governance is much more prevalent, open forums are held, and faculty students engage in the process of decision-making.

What's Next

Gen Z leaders are redefining leadership through ethics, inclusivity, transparency, and work-life balance. Business schools, including institutions like ESCP, are evolving to meet these expectations by offering curricula that reflect these modern leadership values. As these young leaders enter the world of work, their approach is going to alter corporate structures into more ethical, sustainable, and inclusive workplaces.

This change in leadership values promises a bright future where success is measured not only by financial performance but also by positive societal impact, employee well-being, and long-term sustainability.

Gen Z leaders, with their fresh perspective and digital fluency, are poised to drive this change and redefine leadership for generations to come.