A systematic review of Generation Z entrepreneurship literature using the TCM framework and a meta-synthesis approach

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Business Management, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili , Ardabil, Iran

2 Business Management, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

Abstract

Objective: Researchers have become increasingly interested in understanding the role of youth in entrepreneurship and identifying individuals who have achieved success in this domain. This is hardly surprising, as entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in shaping the economy, fostering innovation, and creating employment opportunities. Each generation brings its own unique characteristics and approaches to entrepreneurship, thereby influencing how business is conducted. At present, a significant transformation is underway, driven by the emergence of Generation Z in the labor market. Accordingly, in the context of rapid technological and social changes, exploring Generation Z entrepreneurs—those who have only recently entered the workforce—has gained particular importance. As the first fully digital generation, they have grown up in an environment markedly different from that of previous generations and possess distinctive attitudes and values regarding life, work, and technology. With a global outlook, individualistic mindset, creativity, and innovativeness, they increasingly tend to pursue independent career paths such as entrepreneurship. Not only do they seek economic success and income generation, but they also value social impact, ethical principles, and the use of technology to address global challenges. Given the growing number of studies on this generation and its unique characteristics, the present research aims to conduct a systematic review of the literature on Generation Z entrepreneurship by employing the TCM framework (Theory, Context, Method) and a meta-synthesis approach. The objective of this study is to structurally analyze the existing body of knowledge, identify key dimensions of Generation Z’s entrepreneurial behavior, examine research gaps, and propose a conceptual framework for a better understanding of this generation's dynamics in the field of entrepreneurship.

Method: This study was conducted in two stages as a systematic literature review. In the first stage, 48 articles were analyzed using the TCM framework, which examines three dimensions: the theories applied, research contexts, and research methods. In the second stage, a meta-synthesis approach was adopted following the seven-step model proposed by Sandelowski and Barroso. Through this process, qualitative data were extracted and analyzed via open and axial coding to identify influential dimensions in Generation Z entrepreneurship.

Findings: The findings from the TCM analysis revealed that prior studies most frequently employed the Theory of Planned Behavior, utilized quantitative research methods, and were predominantly conducted in Indonesia. Additionally, the results of the meta-synthesis indicated that Generation Z’s entrepreneurial behavior is influenced by seven main dimensions: (1) individual-psychological, (2) value-normative, (3) competency-operational, (4) contextual-environmental, (5) inhibitory, (6) technological, and (7) lifestyle-career.

Conclusion: This study highlights that Generation Z, with characteristics such as a digital mindset, self-leadership, value orientation, and adaptability, holds significant potential to engage in entrepreneurial activities. However, challenges such as complex regulations, performance anxiety, and other barriers may hinder the realization of this potential. The proposed conceptual framework can serve as a foundation for designing policies, educational programs, and supportive strategies aimed at fostering this type of entrepreneurship. Finally, suggestions for future research are provided.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Entrepreneurship Development
Volume 18, Issue 4
October 2025
Pages 84-111

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