Generation Z: AI Affinity and Adoption in Competitive German Organisations

Abstract

Generation Z, having matured in an entirely digital environment, plays a central role in the adoption of AI within organisations. AI presents potential advantages such as enhanced productivity, process optimisation, and novel employment sectors, while simultaneously posing risks including job displacement, algorithmic biases, and ethical dilemmas. This paper examines the opportunities and challenges associated with this development. The study incorporates a literature review and two surveys conducted among LinkedIn users across diverse industries to assess the role of Generation Z in AI implementation and the relevance of AI-based systems for competitiveness. Data was collected over a seven-day period in December 2024. The first survey, comprising 202 participants (n = 202), focused on the role of Generation Z in the integration and use of AI in companies. The second survey, involving 345 respondents (n = 345), explored whether companies can remain competitive in the next three to five years without the use of AI-supported systems. A target function was developed to formalise business success in the context of AI integration, considering key factors such as technology acceptance, training intensity, and workplace design. The findings indicate that 58.42% of respondents consider Generation Z as central contributors to the integration of AI in organisations. A total of 69.57% of respondents indicated that they believe German companies can maintain their competitiveness without AI, whereas 30.43% regarded AI-supported systems as critical for maintaining competitiveness. While Generation Z exhibits a high level of technological affinity, older generations demonstrate a more cautious approach to adoption. The target function elucidates that business success is contingent upon a balance between technology acceptance and supportive measures such as training and transparent system design. The results indicate that Generation Z plays an important role in AI implementation within organisations. To address social and psychological concerns, such as job insecurity and cognitive strain, companies should adopt structured training, mentoring programmes, and change management measures to support responsible integration. The formal model implies that flexible workplace design and an organisational culture that support innovation contribute to successful AI implementation.