Gen Z Mannerisms: A comparative analysis of perceptions and attributions across generations

Authors

  • Laura Christ Dass Akademi Pengajian Bahasa, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Geetha Subramaniam Faculty of Education, Languages, Psychology and Music, SEGi University, Kota Damansara, Malaysia
  • Jebakumari Selvarani Ebenezer Centre for Foundation Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 43800 Dengkil, Selangor, Malaysia

Keywords:

Generation Z, Mannerisms, Parenting styles, Digital literacy

Abstract

This study examines the generational shift in values and mannerisms among Generation Z (Gen Z) in Malaysia, focusing on concerns over declining respect and traditional social norms. Using a quantitative approach, it explores views of Gen Z, parents, and teachers regarding the impact of parenting styles, education, digital technology, and Western culture on Gen Z’s attitudes. Findings highlight the shared recognition of parenting and Western influence, while Gen Z also cites social media as a key factor. The study offers insights into generational differences and ways to promote understanding across age groups.

References

Chillakuri, B. (2020). Understanding Generation Z expectations for effective onboarding. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 33(7), 1277-1296.

Chung, C. (2019, August 17). Stay healthy and save up for old age. The Star, p.14.

Dass , L.C., Mohan, R.C., Subramaniam, G., & Selvam, M. (2022). Mannerisms of Millennials: Why are they different?. Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 7(21), 3–9. https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7i21.3698.

Dass, L. C., Subramaniam, G., Muslia S., & Hasan, H. (2021). Mannerisms of millennials -A cross-generational perception. International Journal of Asian Social Science.Vol 11 (1).46 -55. DOI: 10.18488. URL: www.aessweb.com.

Dass, L. C., Subramaniam, G., & Rahmat, N. H. (2021). Mannerisms of Millennials -How they Perceive vs How they are Perceived. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences. 11(1),632-646.

DeIuliis, E. D., & Saylor, E. (2021). Bridging the Gap: Three Strategies to Optimise Professional Relationships with Generation Y and Z. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 9(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1748.

Eldridge, A. (2024, September 21). Generation Z. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Generation-Z.

Farrell, W. C., & Phungsoonthorn, T. (2020). Generation Z in Thailand. International Journal of Cross Cultural Management, 20(1), 25-51.

Gaidhani,S., Arora, K. & Sharma, B.K. (2019). Understanding The Attitude Of Generation Z Towards Workplace. International Journal of Management, Technology And Engineering, 9(1), 2804-2812. ISSN No: 2249-7455.

Gentina, E. (2020). Generation Z in Asia: A research agenda. The new Generation Z in Asia: Dynamics, Differences, Digitalisation. https://doi.org/10.1108/9781800432208.

Hart, V, (2018). Developing critical thinking and ethical global engagement in students. European Association for International Education. https://www.eaie.org/resource/developing-critical-thinking-ethical-global-engagement-students.html.

Heys, E. (2024). Cultural evolution: Measuring differences in generational values. Berkeley Institute for Young Americans.

Jayatissa, K. A. D. U. (2023). Generation Z–A new lifeline: A systematic literature review. Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 3(2), 179-186.

Kerrigan, L. (2020). 40 good manners for kids (and Adults!). Retrieved from: https://www.mykidstime.com/for-parents/40-good-manners-for-kids-and-adults/

Mayangsari, C. A., Utomo, C.B., & Pujiati, A. (2020). Building Characters and Socio-Culture Values to Generation Z of Batik Craftsman Family in Pekalongan. Journal of Educational Social Studies, 9(2), 1-9. E-ISSN 2502-4442.

Ministry of Education Malaysia. (2001). Thinking Process Model. Ministry of Education Malaysia.

Ministry of Education Malaysia. (2015). Malaysian Education Blueprint (2015-2025). Ministry of Education Malaysia.

Meng, C.C. (2019). A Study on the effects of children's attitude toward elders by intergenerational programs. International Journal of Information and Education Technology, Vol. 9 (12), 898 –903.

Ng, S. H. (2002). Will families support their elders? Answers from across cultures. In T. D. Nelson (Ed.), Ageism: Stereotyping and prejudice against older persons (pp. 295-309). Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

Pallant, J. (2020). SPSS survival manual: A step by step guide to data analysis using IBM SPSS. Routledge.

Gunadi, P. (2016). Anak dan Kemajuan Teknologi, Telaga https://Telaga.Org/Audio/Anak_dan_kemajuan_teknologi.

Purba, N., & Retno, P. (2023). The Role of Parents in Christian Religious Education in the Family towards Shaping the Character of Generation Z Children in Facing the industry 5.0 Era. Journal Didaskalia, 6(1), 11-22. https://doi.org/10.33856/didaskalia.v6i1.297.

Oerther, S., & Oerther, D. B. (2021). Review of recent research about parenting Generation Z pre-teen children. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 43(11).

Šramková, M., & Sirotiaková, M. (2021). Consumer Behaviour of Generation Z in the Context of Dual Quality of Daily Consumption Products on EU market. SHS Web of Conferences 92, 06038. DOI https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/20219206038.

Twenge, J. M. (2014). Generation me - Revised and updated: Why today's young Americans are more confident, assertive, entitled and more miserable than ever before (2nd ed.). New York: ATRIA.

Wachege, P. & Rugendo, F. (2017). Effects of modernisation on youths’ morality: A case of Karuri Catholic Parish, Kenya. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences.7(12), 691-711.

White, J. E. (2017). Meet Generation Z: Understanding and Reaching the New Post-Christian World. Grand Rapids, MI. Baker Books.

Wynne, E., Wright, W., & Alvermann, D. (2021). Creating gaps in understanding: How Gen Z disrupts gender norms on TikTok. The International Journal of Critical Media Literacy, 3(1), 1-23.

Published

2026-01-29

How to Cite

Dass, L. C., Subramaniam, G., & Ebenezer, J. S. (2026). Gen Z Mannerisms: A comparative analysis of perceptions and attributions across generations . Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 10(SI42). Retrieved from https://ebpj.e-iph.co.uk/index.php/EBProceedings/article/view/7739

Most read articles by the same author(s)

1 2 > >>