Abstract
ABSTRACT: The disciplines of education and business have long recognized the critical role non-cognitive attitudes play in successful academic and workplace performance, yet there is limited research that focuses on the development of non-cognitive attitudes related to the work ethic of college students. Furthermore, the emergence of Generation Z in college ranks and in the workforce provides a timely opportunity to research possible generational differences. This study proposed a new conceptual framework to define student work ethic. Causal comparative analysis was then utilized to explore non-cognitive attributes of diligence, optimism, and generosity in Generation Z (N = 111) and Millennials (N =84). Study results indicated there is a significant difference in the attributes of optimism and diligence, with no difference between the generations in generosity. Further research into non-cognitive attributes may support curriculum interventions to enhance the development of student work ethic.
Keywords: work ethic, soft skills, non-cognitive attributes, student development theory, human resources theory, diligence, optimism, generosity
