Generation Y holds a significant importance for Saudi Arabia with its high demographic of young population and strategic focus on localization. Ashridge's research on Gen Y in Saudi Arabia provides input for business managers on how to create greater levels of engagement among Gen Y workforce. According to Rory Hendrikz, Director of Ashridge Middle East, "as greater numbers of Gen Y enters the workforce in Saudi Arabia, organizations need to identify opportunities to engage with this highly-motivated demographic. And as an initial step to inform and shape regional talent management and leadership development strategies, unique insights into the regional characteristics of Generation Y are vital." Findings of Ashridge research indicate that career success for Generation Y means ‘high salary', ‘knowledge and expertise' and ‘work-life balance' across the region. Based on the study, local Gen Y Saudi nationals feel a strong drive to succeed in their careers and 60% believe they are self-driven. Hendrikz said "managers should recognize and support their ambitions. Instead of a generic approach to career development, the subtleties of what career success means to Gen Y should be recognized by organizations to develop and retain talent." Women appear to feel a stronger personal drive to succeed than men, according to the research. Over 80% of Gen Y women in Saudi Arabia reported the drive for success comes from them, compared to 60% of males. In general, a high salary is the most important definition of career success for both male and female respondents. But factors such as ‘reputation', ‘respect' and ‘job status' are more important to women than men, when defining success. People skills such as emotional intelligence, influencing others, resilience, communication and networking appear to be of particular importance across gender for Gen Y in Saudi Arabia. "Gen Y prefers to work with democratic and visionary managers, who give them the opportunity to contribute their views and thoughts. These factors should be taken into consideration when developing and leading Gen Y nationals," added Hendrikz. — SG
