Graduation Semester and Year
Fall 2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Public and Urban Administration
Department
Public Administration
First Advisor
Dr. Alejandro Rodriguez
Second Advisor
Dr. Jiwon Suh
Third Advisor
Dr. Emily Nwakpuda
Abstract
Abstract
Bridging the Digital Equity Gap: Engaging and Empowering Generation Z Employees in Municipal Government. A multiple Exploratory Case Study
Amuche Louis Agu, Ph.D.
The University of Texas at Arlington, 2025
Supervising Professor: Alejandro Rodriguez, Ph.D.
Digital equity and technology fluency are crucial for team building, organizational development and community engagement. It provides a touchpoint for municipalities to establish relationships with residents and offer valuable services. Digital equity is foundational to technology driven engagement, and essential for the attainment of individual, organizational and community development goals. Digital equity is not only critical for effective communication, but also a fundamental tool in the daily lives of Gen Z. The purpose of this multiple exploratory case study was to examine how the process of employee engagement can best empower Gen Z to contribute to the development and/or implementation of digital technology initiatives that drive specific improvements within a city government. Interviews were conducted with 12 participants to explore strategies for effectively engaging Gen Z with municipal governments and to foster their sense of purpose and alignment with the organization’s mission and core values. Two cases were examined. The first case consisted of interviewees describing their perceptions of what it means to work for a municipal government with a digital equity program and how that informs their views of engagement in the local governance process. The second case consisted of interviewees describing their perceptions of what it means to work for a municipal government without a digital equity program and how that informs their views of engagement in the local governance process. The cases brought an awareness of the perceptions of Gen Z, and how this group of emerging professionals can most effectively be engaged and empowered through the process of local digital governance. This study provided the opportunity for cross-case analysis, which emphasized digital equity, visibility, and inclusion as interlocking mechanisms that support Gen Z engagement in municipal government. The analysis also showed how community engagement and professional growth sustain motivation through purpose and leadership trust. Technology and adaptability serve as reinforcing enablers of engagement for Gen Z municipal employees but require responsive leadership cultures as well as structural programs to enhance both employee and community outcomes.
Keywords:
Municipal Government, Generational Cohort, Empowerment, Local Digital Governance, Digital Equity, Employee Engagement, Generation Z, Community Engagement
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Agu, Amuche L., "BRIDGING THE DIGITAL EQUITY GAP: ENGAGING AND EMPOWERING GENERATION Z EMPLOYEES IN MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. A MULTIPLE EXPLORATORY CASE STUDY" (2025). Public Affairs Dissertations. 236.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/publicaffairs_dissertations/236