Culture or Compensation? Trade-Offs Between Organizational Culture Types and Financial Incentives in Romanian...

This study examines trade-offs between organizational culture, measured by the Competing Values Framework, and high financial compensation among Romanian Generation Z (n = 584). Using a quantitative cross-sectional design and scenario-based choice experiments, binary logistic regression models assessed how culture preferences and demographics predict employer choice. Results show that preferences for Clan culture most consistently increased the likelihood of selecting a culturally defined employer over high-salary alternatives (odds ratios 1.08-1.15), particularly through mentoring and employee development. Notably, Hierarchy culture preferences also significantly influenced decisions, indicating that this generation values both support and structured predictability. Employment status strongly moderated these trade-offs, with employed respondents significantly more likely to prioritize cultural attributes (odds ratios 2.07-2.47). Findings indicate that Generation Z makes nuanced, context-sensitive trade-offs, challenging one-dimensional assumptions about their motivations. These findings provide context-specific insights into Romanian Generation Z employer choice and offer practical implications for employer branding and talent attraction strategies.