Generation Z and Non-Generation Z Radiographers: Differences in Innovative Work Behaviour and Creative Task Performance

Abstract

Radiography is increasingly influenced by advances in digital imaging and artificial intelligence, requiring radiographers to demonstrate innovative work behavior (IWB) and creative task performance (CTP). The growing participation of Generation Z in the health care workforce has raised questions about generational differences in workplace innovation, although generational classifications often overlap with age, career stage, and organizational tenure. This secondary analysis investigated differences in strategic work flexibility (SWF), quality of work life (QWL), IWB, and CTP between Generation Z and non-Generation Z radiographers and examined whether the relationship between IWB and CTP varied across cohorts. Data from 197 hospital radiographers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, were analyzed using Welch's t-tests, false discovery rate (FDR)-adjusted comparisons of dimensions and indicators, heteroskedasticity-consistent (HC3) robust moderation analysis, bootstrapped simple slope estimates, tenure-adjusted regression, and conditional indirect effect analysis. Generation Z radiographers (n = 36) demonstrated significantly lower IWB scores than non-Generation Z radiographers (n = 161), with the most consistent differences observed in Task Flexibility and Idea Sustainability. In contrast, SWF, QWL, and CTP scores were comparable between the two cohorts. Although the association between IWB and CTP was descriptively stronger among Generation Z radiographers, evidence of moderation was marginal under robust statistical inference. Furthermore, the between-cohort difference in IWB was no longer statistically significant after adjustment for organizational tenure. These findings suggest that the observed differences in IWB may be associated with career stage and organizational embeddedness rather than inherent generational characteristics. The results also indicate a potentially stronger association between innovative work behavior and creative task performance among Generation Z radiographers, although this interpretation requires further validation. Health care managers should consider strengthening cross-functional development opportunities, structured mentoring, access to organizational resources, and upward communication channels to support innovation among early-career radiographers.