Increased millennial engagement through service-learning: the causal impact of community service self-efficacy

Abstract

Considering labels including 'the entitled generation', 'the dumbest generation', and the 'everybody gets a trophy generation', it is understandable that there is a rapidly growing body of research on the negative aspects of the expanding millennial portion of the workforce. The current study, however, explores possible benefits of some millennial traits. Specifically, the authors argue that certain organisational activities, such as the creation of service opportunities, may not only be welcomed by millennials, but may also improve engagement. A sample of 239 millennials was used to explore this relationship. Regression analysis indicated that self-efficacy resulting from community service opportunities positively and significantly predicted engagement levels. Thus, results support the notion that targeted organisational activities such as service opportunities may lead to higher levels of engagement. Discussion and implications for future research follow.