Opinion Z disruption and the future

Because of economic and industrial advancement in the West,there is barely any difference of understanding between a 60-year old grandparent and 15-year-old grandchild. But this is not the case for those born in India from 1986 onwards with their parents and grandparents today. When economic reforms were introduced in 1991 these children were 5-year-olds,old enough to influence different lifestyles. This impact together with the 1991 proliferation of digital technology,and India’s history through the centuries,combined to form the Z disruption,a departure towards the free economy and liberalised ideas of the Zap generation. In historical perspective,Indian society’s mental and social shift have highs and lows that can be drawn like the letter Z as illustrated here. So Z disruption represents the new India. In metro and urban areas,Zap behaviour is highly expressive. In rural and small towns,even among lower income groups it is prevalent but may not be expressive,but this will also change with time.

In India,education,industry and politics still do not understand the Zap generation and Z disruption complexity. Here are the three generations Zap,Compromise and Retro.

ZAP generation: Common characteristics of Zap generation born in 1986 onwards (1982 born can be considered as reverse spin-off)

– Influencer in society

– Master of speed of technology

– User of code language

– Risk taker

– Decision maker

– Spender

– Sexual liberation

– Flirtation with jobs

Compromise generation: Common characteristics of Compromise generation born between 1967 and 1982 are:

– Adaptor in society

– Dominated by elders

– Risk averse

– American influence

– Dominated by children’s demand

– Investing mentality

– Not open about sex

– Prizes job stability in private sector

Retro generation: Common characteristics of Retro generation born before 1966

– Licence Raj values

– Influenced by Zappers

– Avoids any risk

– British influence

– Sacrificing tendency

– Savings mentality

– Suppressing thoughts of sex

– Security of routine Government job

Zappers are on the move,while Compromise and Retro generations will fade away.

Shombit Sengupta is an international creative business strategy consultant to top management. Reach him at http://www.shiningconsulting.com

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