Digital Transformation and Managerial Innovation in Shaping Generation Z's Adaptive Mindset

Abstract

This study aims to examine the impact of digital transformation and innovative management on the adaptive mindset of Generation Z students in the context of preparing for contemporary work environments. Digital transformation acts as a crucial factor influencing learning modes, interactions, and students' capacity to adapt to accelerating technological evolution, while innovative management contributes to developing creative, flexible, and solution-oriented thinking skills in response to dynamic challenges. This study adopts a quantitative approach using a survey method involving 104 Generation Z student respondents who are actively engaged in academic activities and the use of digital technology. Data analysis techniques are conducted using SPSS software version 25 through a series of tests including validity testing, reliability testing, multiple linear regression analysis, as well as t-tests and F-tests. Research findings indicate that both digital transformation and innovative management have a positive and significant impact on students' adaptive mindset. Partially, digital transformation shows a more dominant effect on students' adaptive capacity compared to innovative management, while simultaneously both variables contribute 23.5% to the formation of an adaptive mindset. These results imply that proficiency in technology as well as the implementation of innovative management are key elements for Generation Z students to adapt to a modern digital-based work ecosystem. This research is expected to serve as a reference for higher education institutions in formulating technology- and innovation-based learning strategies to develop a generation that is adaptive, creative, and competitive in the Industry 5.0 era.