Social Studies

Raziki Waldan¹✉ , Prof.Assoc. Hamrila Abdul Latip² , Dr. Siti Aisyah Ya’kob³ , Zarkasi Zarkasi⁴

https://doi.org/10.53754/kgz8qm71

Abstract

Generation Z has become a dominant workforce cohort, whose expectations for openness, flexibility, and meaningful work often intersect with the multicultural and multigenerational dynamics of local workplaces. This study aims to examine how Generation Z employees in West Kalimantan socially adapt to organizational environments shaped by the interethnic TIDAYU (Dayak–Malay–Chinese) context. Using an exploratory qualitative design, the research involved 18 participants aged 18–28 years from the service, retail, education, and MSME sectors in Pontianak, Singkawang, and Ketapang. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis, generating 138 codes, 24 subcategories, and three themes. The findings revealed three dominant adaptation patterns: communication adjustment, learning from senior workers, and seeking clarity and meaning in work. Organizational factors—particularly open leadership and flexible work structures–significantly facilitate adaptation, while authoritarian leadership and rigid structures hinder it. Peer support emerged as the strongest community factor accelerating Gen Z’s social adjustment, supported by multicultural workplace values fostering acceptance and comfort. The study concludes that Gen Z’s adaptation is an interactive, context-dependent process shaped by personal strategies, organizational culture, and social dynamics of TIDAYU communities. These insights emphasize that successful adaptation occurs when organizational values align with the generational needs and local cultural norms. The findings highlight the importance of adopting inclusive leadership, establishing flexible work systems, and strengthening cross-generational and cross-cultural engagement to enhance Gen Z integration and workplace harmony in multicultural regions.

Keywords: generation z social adaptation TIDAYU (Dayak–Malay–Chinese) workplace adaptation

References

1. Aditya, M., Satrianingsih, A., & Tindarika, R. (2025). Integrating sandur Madura as a cultural context in science education: An ethnographic study on migration and acculturation in West Kalimantan. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v11i5.11023
2. Aggarwal, A., Sadhna, P., Gupta, S., Mittal, A., & Rastogi, S. (2020). Gen Z entering the workforce: Restructuring HR policies and practices for fostering the task performance and organizational commitment. Journal of Public Affairs. https://doi.org/10.1002/pa.2535
3. Albogami, M., Sharawi, O., & Khan, R. (2024). Organizational culture adaptability by leaders and its influence on firm performance. Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management. https://doi.org/10.46254/an14.20240610
4. Allan, B., Batz-Barbarich, C., Sterling, H., & Tay, L. (2018). Outcomes of meaningful work: A meta‐analysis. IRPN: Other Management of Innovation (Topic). https://doi.org/10.1111/joms.12406
5. Anggraini, M., Sari, T., , S., & Hiqqal, M. (2025). Social interaction of the baha'i community in fostering peace in a multicultural society in Kubu Raya. International Journal of Sociology of Religion. https://doi.org/10.70687/hc5hxj94
6. Aswani, D., & Otiende, J. (2025). Effective workplace communication: Organizational subcultures and communication preferences for gen z’s. Journal of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO. https://doi.org/10.62049/jkncu.v5i1.234
7. Atmaja, D., Fachrurazi, F., Satriawan, L., Asmanto, E., & Sukardi, B. (2023). Islam and the struggle for multiculturalism in Singkawang, West Kalimantan: Local ulama, theological-economic competition and ethnoreligious relations. Ulumuna. https://doi.org/10.20414/ujis.v27i1.516
8. Baša, K., Machová, R., Baša, P., & Doležaiová, V. (2023). Comparative analysis of the workplace expectations of Generations Y and Z. Acta Polytechnica Hungarica. https://doi.org/10.12700/aph.20.3.2023.3.13
9. Benítez, M., Sánchez-Teba, E., Bermúdez-González, G., & Núñez-Rydman, E. (2022). Generation Z within the workforce and in the workplace: A bibliometric analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.736820
10. Brahm, F., & Poblete, J. (2024). Organizational culture, adaptation, and performance. Organization Science. https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2022.16791
11. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2020). Can I use TA? Should I use TA? Should I not use TA? Comparing reflexive thematic analysis and other pattern‐based qualitative analytic approaches. Cancer Prevention Research. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12360
12. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2024). A critical review of the reporting of reflexive thematic analysis in Health Promotion International. Health Promotion International, 39. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daae049
13. Brilliantsyah, Z., Wolor, C., & , M. (2025). the analysis of employee communication ethics Gen Z At PT Circleka Indonesia Utama. International Student Conference on Business, Education, Economics, Accounting, and Management (ISC-BEAM). https://doi.org/10.21009/isc-beam.013.104
14. Caplan, R. (1987). Person-environment fit theory and organizations: Commensurate dimensions, time perspectives, and mechanisms. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 31, 248-267. https://doi.org/10.1016/0001-8791(87)90042-x
15. Carriedo, N., Rodriguez-Villagra, O., Moguilner, S., Morales-Sepulveda, J., Huepe-Artigas, D., Soto, V., Franco-O’Byrne, D., Ibáñez, A., Bekinschtein, T., & Huepe, D. (2024). Cognitive, emotional, and social factors promoting psychosocial adaptation: A study of latent profiles in people living in socially vulnerable contexts. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1321242
16. Neves, H. (2025). The anxious generation theory and Generation Z behaviour in the workplace: A correlation analysis. International Journal of Business Administration. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijba.v16n1p74
17. Dewi, P., & Fitrio, T. (2022). The role of adaptive millennial leadership, organizational culture, and competency as a strategy to increase employee performance. Jurnal Aplikasi Manajemen. https://doi.org/10.21776/ub.jam.2022.020.03.17
18. Əhmədova, R. (2025). The essence and content of the adaptation phenomenon. Scientific Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.54414/hfnk7322
19. Eilenberg, M., & Wadley, R. (2009). Borderland livelihood strategies: The socio-economic significance of ethnicity in cross-border labour migration, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Asia Pacific Viewpoint, 50, 58-73. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8373.2009.01381
20. Fachrurrazi, F. (2019). Preservation of status quo or inter-ethnicity relation the dynamics of malay-chinese economic relation in the northern coast area of West Kalimantan. I-ECONOMICS: A Research Journal on Islamic Economics. https://doi.org/10.19109/https://doi.org/10.19109/ieconomics.v5i1.3690
21. Fannia, T., Johana, K., Awliya, F., Rismawaty, F., Ameri, M., & Lau, S. (2023). Intercultural communication interaction of multicultural society in West Kalimantan Province: Ethnographic studies. KnE Social Sciences. https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v8i12.13711
22. Farrell, W., & Phungsoonthorn, T. (2020). Generation Z in Thailand. International Journal of Cross Cultural Management, 20, 25 - 51. https://doi.org/10.1177/1470595820904116
23. Febriana, A., & Mujib, M. (2024). Increasing productivity of gen z employees: the role of flexible work arrangements and participative style. SA Journal of Human Resource Management. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v22i0.2489
24. Gabrielova, K., & Buchko, A. (2021). Here comes Generation Z: Millennials as managers. Business Horizons. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2021.02.013
25. Gardner, D., Huang, G., Pierce, J., Niu, X., & Lee, C. (2021). Not just for newcomers: Organizational socialization, employee adjustment and experience, and growth in organization‐based self‐esteem. Human Resource Development Quarterly. https://doi.org/10.1002/hrdq.21458
26. Gavrilets, S., Tverskoi, D., & Sánchez, Á. (2024). Modelling social norms: an integration of the norm-utility approach with beliefs dynamics. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 379. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2023.0027
27. González, R. (2024). The role of norms as a promoter of social change. Political Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1111/pops.13025
28. Grusec, J. (2011). Socialization processes in the family: Social and emotional development.. Annual review of psychology, 62, 243-69. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.121208.131650
29. Hasanah, U., & Waldan, R. (2023). Manajemen wisata religi Sultan Syarif Abdurrahman Al-Qadri Kalimantan Barat: Analisis perawatan dan promosi wisata religi. Jurnal Manajemen Dakwah, 4(1), 57–79. https://doi.org/10.24260/j-md.v4i1.1630
30. Hawkins, R., Goodman, N., & Goldstone, R. (2019). The emergence of social norms and conventions. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 23, 158-169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2018.11.003
31. Hertz, U. (2020). Learning how to behave: Cognitive learning processes account for asymmetries in adaptation to social norms. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 288. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2021.0293
32. Husein, H., Purnama, R., Manurung, T., Sondeng, S., & Suhara, A. (2025). Human resource management strategies in supporting Generation Z Adaptation to modern organizational culture. Journal of the American Institute. https://doi.org/10.71364/38zgbp66
33. Jailani, M., Dewantara, J., & Rahmani, E. (2021). The awareness of mutual respect post-conflicts: ethnic chinese strategy through social interaction and engagement in West Kalimantan. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 33, 17 - 34. https://doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2021.1990170
34. Janssen, D., & Carradini, S. (2021). Generation Z workplace communication habits and expectations. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication, 64, 137-153. https://doi.org/10.1109/tpc.2021.3069288
35. Katsaros, K. (2024). Gen Z employee adaptive performance: the role of inclusive leadership and workplace happiness. Administrative Sciences. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14080163
36. Κatsaros, K. (2025). Gen Z employees’ adaptive performance in hybrid workplaces: The role of inclusive leadership, creativity, and work engagement. The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science. https://doi.org/10.1177/00218863251315493
37. Khan, D. (2024). Organizational behaviour insights: examining dynamics of workplace culture and employee interaction in modern organizations. International Journal for Multidimensional Research Perspectives. https://doi.org/10.61877/ijmrp.v2i5.145
38. Kim, Y. (2000). Becoming intercultural: An integrative theory of communication and cross-cultural adaptation. ‎ SAGE Publications, Inc. https://doi.org/10.5860/choice.39-0378
39. Kim, Y. (2017). Integrative communication theory of cross‐cultural adaptation. The International Encyclopedia of Intercultural Communication, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118783665.ieicc0041
40. Kimonyo, T. (2025). Influence of strategic leadership on Generation Z employees: A strategic approach to organizational performance. European Journal of Business and Strategic Management. https://doi.org/10.47604/ejbsm.3250
41. Kostoeva, Z. (2023). Navigating the workplace shift: strategies to attract and retain Generation Z employees in Russia. International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR). https://doi.org/10.21275/sr231225190753
42. Kuhuparuw, V. (2025). Analyzing the role of organizational culture in enhancing employee adaptability in a dynamic digital era. Journal of the American Institute. https://doi.org/10.71364/10abxk95
43. Kurniawan, S., & Miftah, M. (2021). Communal conflicts in West Kalimantan: The urgency of multicultural education. Dinamika Ilmu. https://doi.org/10.21093/di.v21i1.2934
44. Lambe, K. (2024). Unlocking Gen-Z employee potential: The role of strategic leadership and organizational culture. Brazilian Journal of Development. https://doi.org/10.34117/bjdv10n11-033
45. Mahmoud, A., Fuxman, L., Mohr, I., Reisel, W., & Grigoriou, N. (2020). “We aren't your reincarnation!” workplace motivation across X, Y and Z generations. International Journal of Manpower. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijm-09-2019-0448
46. Nakaya, A. (2018). Overcoming ethnic conflict through multicultural education: The case of West Kalimantan, Indonesia. International Journal of Multicultural Education, 20, 118-137. https://doi.org/10.18251/ijme.v20i1.1549
47. Nugroho, Y., Yanti, B., & Haryanto, F. (2025). A systematic literature review on workplace expectations and behavioral characteristics of Generation Z employees. Psikostudia: Jurnal Psikologi. https://doi.org/10.30872/psikostudia.v14i3.19486
48. Nuryadi, M., & Widiatmaka, P. (2022). Harmonisasi antar etnis dan implikasinya terhadap ketahanan wilayah di Kalimantan Barat pada era society 5.0. Jurnal Ketahanan Nasional. https://doi.org/10.22146/jkn.73046
49. Oh, I., Guay, R., Kim, K., Harold, C., Lee, J., Heo, C., & Shin, K. (2014). Fit happens globally: A meta-analytic comparison of the relationships of person–environment fit dimensions with work attitudes and performance across East Asia, Europe, and North America. Personnel Psychology, 67, 99-152. https://doi.org/10.1111/peps.12026
50. Osorio, M., & Madero, S. (2024). Explaining Gen Z's desire for hybrid work in corporate, family, and entrepreneurial settings. Business Horizons. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2024.02.008
51. Parani, R., Niyu, N., Dwihadiah, D., & Purba, H. (2025). The dynamics of cultural communication through acculturation in the context of Chinese-Dayak-Malay (Tidayu) inter-ethnic marriage in Singkawang – Indonesia. INJECT (Interdisciplinary Journal of Communication). https://doi.org/10.18326/inject.v10i1.4425
52. Pichler, S., Kohli, C., & Granitz, N. (2021). DITTO for Gen Z: A framework for leveraging the uniqueness of the new generation. Business Horizons. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2021.02.021
53. Prasojo, Z. (2017). Social change and the contributions of the Tionghoa, Dayak and Melayu (Tidayu) in West Kalimantan. Borneo Studies in History, Society and Culture, 427-442. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-0672-2_2
54. Pratama, R., Fadillah, B., & Fadhila, I. (2025). Generation Z performance management: challenges and opportunities in public sector organizations. Syntax Literate; Jurnal Ilmiah Indonesia. https://doi.org/10.36418/syntax-literate.v10i7.60351
55. Puchalska, M., Czerw, A., & Roczniewska, M. (2019). Work meaning in self and world perspective: A new outlook on the WAMI Scale. Social Psychological Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.32872/spb.v14i1.30207
56. Ratković , B., & Kostić, B. (2014). Impact of organizational socialization towards employees' social adaptation. Journal of Engineering Management, 4, 34-40. https://doi.org/10.5937/jemc1401034r
57. Romański, P., & Łukasiński, W. (2025). Perception of workplace changes by Generation Z representatives. Scientific Papers of Silesian University of Technology. Organization and Management Series. https://doi.org/10.29119/1641-3466.2025.222.28
58. Rotich, J., Maket, L., & Kurgat, A. (2025). The future of work: the effects of Gen Z values on workplace preferences. Asian Journal of Economics, Business and Accounting. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajeba/2025/v25i61856
59. Ruslan, I., Yusriadi, Y., Muttaqin, I., Hasriyanti, N., & Shin, C. (2025). Chinese muslim community and pseudo-multiculturalism in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Ulumuna. https://doi.org/10.20414/ujis.v28i2.867
60. Ružicavišnji, Ć. (2024). Model to improve employee organisational adaptation. Tehnicki vjesnik - Technical Gazette. https://doi.org/10.17559/tv-20230611000718
61. Sabuhari, R., Sudiro, A., Irawanto, D., & Rahayu, M. (2020). The effects of human resource flexibility, employee competency, organizational culture adaptation and job satisfaction on employee performance. Management Science Letters, 10, 1775-1786. https://doi.org/10.5267/j.msl.2020.1.001
62. Sakdiyakorn, M., Golubovskaya, M., & Solnet, D. (2021). Understanding Generation Z through collective consciousness: Impacts for hospitality work and employment. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 94, 102822. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2020.102822
63. Scheklachyeva, T. (2019). Social and Sociocultural Adaptation: Definition of Concepts and Their Hierarchic Interrelation. Vestnik NSUEM. https://doi.org/10.34020/2073-6495-2019-2-258-271
64. Syarifah, F., Cahyana, N., & Chaniago, H. (2025). Gaya komunikasi Generasi Z: Pengaruhnya di lingkungan kantor. Jurnal ISO: Jurnal Ilmu Sosial, Politik dan Humaniora. https://doi.org/10.53697/iso.v5i1.2445
65. Tang, J., Tosun, C., & Baum, T. (2020). Do Gen Zs feel happy about their first job? A cultural values perspective from the hospitality and tourism industry. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijchm-04-2020-0261
66. Thomas, M., & Sharma, P. (2025). Key factors shaping personalised employee experience for the Generation Z workforce. Management Decision. https://doi.org/10.1108/md-09-2024-2046
67. Vianen, A. (2018). Person–environment fit: A review of its basic tenets. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 5, 75–101. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-032117-104702
68. Watkins, H., & Omilion-Hodges, L. (2025). Zooming in on generational differences: Exploring intergenerational employee relationships and the rise of Generation Z in the workplace. International Journal of Business Communication. https://doi.org/10.1177/23294884251345809
69. Wicaksono, A., Pitoyo, A., Wardana, L., & , S. (2025). The effect of organizational culture on organizational behaviour, performance, and effectiveness. International Journal of Asian Business and Management. https://doi.org/10.55927/ijabm.v4i2.196
70. Zahra, Y., Handoyo, S., & Fajrianthi, F. (2025). A comprehensive overview of Generation Z in the workplace: Insights from a scoping review. SA Journal of Industrial Psychology. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajip.v51i0.2263
71. Zammitti, A., Zarbo, R., Magnano, P., & Ginevra, M. (2025). Career adaptability, decent work, meaningful work, and life satisfaction in Italian adults. The Career Development Quarterly. https://doi.org/10.1002/cdq.12376

License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

© 2025 Raziki Waldan, Prof.Assoc. Hamrila Abdul Latip, Dr. Siti Aisyah Ya’kob, Zarkasi Zarkasi

Indexing & Citations