Journals / JOEEP: Journal of Emerging Economies and Policy / 2026 / Cilt: 11 Sayı: 1

The Evolution of Research on Generation Z's Consumption Behaviour: A Bibliometric Analysis

Z Kuşağinin Tüketim Davranışları Üzerine Yapılan Araştırmaların Evrimi: Bibliyometrik Bir Analiz

Ruşen Akdemir(Muğla Sıtkı Koçman Üniversitesi)0000-0001-6551-9450
Pages
88–103
Publication Date
2026-06-25
DOI
—
🏛️Bibliographic metadata and full text access for this article are provided via DergiPark.
DergiPark Record ↗
✨

AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The study provides strategic insights for both academics and practitioners by offering an interdisciplinary roadmap for understanding Generation Z's digital native identity and value-driven preferences.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This study aims to examine the literature on the consumer behavior of Generation Z, which has become a strategic force in the digitalizing marketing ecosystem, using bibliometric analysis.
📊
Key Findings & Data:Data obtained from the Scopus and Web of Science databases were analysed using performance analysis and scientific mapping techniques via the R Studio Biblioshiny software.
💡
Conclusion & Impact:The study provides strategic insights for both academics and practitioners by offering an interdisciplinary roadmap for understanding Generation Z's digital native identity and value-driven preferences.
🔬Design:Modeling & Simulation
📍Scope:2019 Verileri
⚙️Variables:Tüketici Davranışı · Z Kuşağı · Bibliyometrik Analiz

Abstract

This study aims to examine the literature on the consumer behavior of Generation Z, which has become a strategic force in the digitalizing marketing ecosystem, using bibliometric analysis. Data obtained from the Scopus and Web of Science databases were analysed using performance analysis and scientific mapping techniques via the R Studio Biblioshiny software. The findings show a rapid increase in publications since 2019 and that the literature has evolved from traditional models to a new technology-focused paradigm, including artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and influencer marketing. Furthermore, ethical values and sustainability have been identified as critical motivations for this generation. While Asian countries stand out in terms of quantity of production, Western-centered studies dominate in terms of methodological impact. The study provides strategic insights for both academics and practitioners by offering an interdisciplinary roadmap for understanding Generation Z's digital native identity and value-driven preferences.

Özet

Araştırmanın amacı; dijitalleşmenin her geçen gün daha yoğun hissedildiği pazarlama ekosisteminde stratejik güce sahip olan Z kuşağı bireylerinin tüketici davranışlarına ilişkin literatürü bibliyometrik analiz ile incelemektir. Veriler Web of Science ve Scopus veritabanlarından elde edilmiş olup, RStudio Biblioshiny yazılımı kullanılarak performans analizi ve bilimsel haritalama teknikleri ile analiz edilmiştir. Bulgulara göre, 2019 itibarıyla yayın sayısında ivmeli artış yaşanmış, literatür ise geleneksel modellerden teknoloji odaklı (yapay zekâ, artırılmış gerçeklik, influencer pazarlaması) yeni bir anlayışa evrilmiştir. Ayrıca sürdürülebilirlik ve etik değerlerin Z kuşağı bireyleri için önemli motivasyonlar olduğu görülmüştür. Bilimsel üretimde Asya ülkeleri niceliksel anlamda dikkat çekerken, batı merkezli çalışmaların metodolojik etki bağlamında daha baskın olduğu görülmüştür. Çalışma, Z kuşağı bireylerinin dijital yerli kimliklerinin ve değer odaklı tercihlerinin anlaşılmasında bir yol haritası sunarak akademisyen ve uygulayıcılara stratejik çıkarımlar sağlamaktadır.

🔖

Cite This Article

Akdemir, R. (2026). The Evolution of Research on Generation Z's Consumption Behaviour: A Bibliometric Analysis. JOEEP: Journal of Emerging Economies and Policy, Cilt: 11 Sayı: 1, 88–103. https://ajindex.com/articles/1504061

📄 Full Text PDF Viewer

📄

PDF görüntüleyici hazırlanıyor...

References (42)

  1. Akhiri, B. B., & Harahap, D. A. T. (2026). Descriptive analysis of the impact of a cashless society on Gen Z spending patterns. International Journal of Business, Economics, and Social Development, 7(1), 10–17. https://doi.org/10.46336/ijbesd.v7i1.1154
  2. Aria, M., & Cuccurullo, C. (2017). Bibliometrix: An R-tool for comprehensive science mapping analysis. Journal of Informetrics, 11(4), 959–975. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joi.2017.08.007
  3. Bianchi, C., Hofer, K. M., & Saleh, M. A. (2025). Corporate social responsibility and generation z purchase intentions: a cross‐national study. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management. https://doi.org/10.1002/csr.70273
  4. Börner, K., Chen, C., & Boyack, K. W. (2003). Visualizing knowledge domains. Annual Review of Information Science and Technology, 37(1), 179–255.
  5. Broadus, R. N. (1987). Toward a definition of “bibliometrics”. Scientometrics, 12, 373-379. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02016680
  6. Cobo, M. J., López‐Herrera, A. G., Herrera‐Viedma, E., & Herrera, F. (2011). An approach for detecting, quantifying, and visualizing the evolution of a research field: A practical application to the fuzzy sets theory field. Journal of Informetrics, 5(1), 146–166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joi.2010.10.002
  7. Cucari, N., Tutore, I., Montera, R., & Profita, S. (2023). A bibliometric performance analysis of publication productivity in the corporate social responsibility field: Outcomes of SciVal analytics. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 30(1), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1002/csr.2346
  8. Dewantoro, R., Sariani, S., & Suriono, H. (2025). Transformation of Generation Z's consumption behavior in the digital ecosystem: A theoretical review of social media-based marketing strategies. Priviet Social Sciences Journal, 5(5), 102-110. https://doi.org/10.55942/pssj.v5i5.619
  9. Djafarova, E., & Foots, S. (2022). Exploring ethical consumption of Generation Z: Theory of planned behaviour. Young Consumers, 23(3), 413-431. https://doi.org/10.1108/YC-10-2021-1405
  10. Donthu, N., Kumar, S., Mukherjee, D., Pandey, N., & Lim, W. M. (2021). How to conduct a bibliometric analysis: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 133, 285–296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.04.070
  11. Dragolea, L. L., Butnaru, G. I., Kot, S., Zamfir, C. G., Nuţă, A. C., Nuţă, F. M.,. & Ştefănică, M. (2023). Determining factors in shaping the sustainable behavior of the Generation Z consumer. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 11, 1096183. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2023.1096183
  12. Francis, T., & Hoefel, F. (2018). True gen: Generation Z and its implications for companies. McKinsey & Company, 12(2), 1-10. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/true-gen-generation-z-and-its-implications-for-companies
  13. Gao, W., Liu, L., & Yaacob, Z. (2022). A study of consumer opinion leaders' impact on Generation Z youth consumer behavior and its educational significance. International Journal of Operations and Quantitative Management, 28(2), 549-562.
  14. Grigoreva, E. A., Garifova, L. F., & Polovkina, E. A. (2021). Consumer behavior in the information economy: Generation Z. International Journal of Financial Research, 12(2), 164-171. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijfr.v12n2p164
  15. Guerra-Tamez, C. R., Kraul Flores, K., Serna-Mendiburu, G. M., Chavelas Robles, D., & Ibarra Cortés, J. (2024). Decoding Gen Z: AI's influence on brand trust and purchasing behavior. Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence, 7, 1323512. https://doi.org/10.3389/frai.2024.1323512
  16. Halibas, A., Akram, U., Hoang, A. P., & Thi Hoang, M. D. (2025). Unveiling the future of responsible, sustainable, and ethical consumption: a bibliometric study on Gen Z and young consumers. Young Consumers, 26(7), 142-171. https://doi.org/10.1108/YC-11-2024-2327
  17. Hidayat, T., Nashirah, A. F., & Pangestuti, I. R. D. (2024). Analyzing the consumer behavior and implications of sustainable consumption among Generation Z. Research Horizon, 4(4), 161-176. https://doi.org/10.54518/rh.4.4.2024.321
  18. Hudayah, S., Ramadhani, M. A., Sary, K. A., Raharjo, S., & Yudaruddin, R. (2023). Green perceived value and green product purchase intention of Gen Z consumers: Moderating role of environmental concern. Environmental Economics, 14(2), 87. https://doi.org/10.21511/ee.14(2).2023.07
  19. Jain, A. (2024). The impact of influence marketing on Gen Z consumer behaviour. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 6(5), 1-17.
  20. Kahawandala, N., Peter, S., & Niwunhella, H. (2020, September). Profiling purchasing behavior of Generation Z. In 2020 International Research Conference on Smart Computing and Systems Engineering (SCSE), (pp. 155-160). IEEE.
  21. Kirubasri, S., & Pougajendy, S. (2024). A Study on marketing to Gen Z: Understanding the preference and behaviors International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research. Vol. 6, No. 6, 1-4. https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i06.33431.
  22. Kunc, J., Novotná, M., Reichel, V., Križan, F., & Bilková, K. (2024). Bricks or clicks? Factors influencing shopping behavior of Generation Z. Equilibrium. Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy, 19(2), 521–548. https://doi.org/10.24136/eq.2999
  23. Lamba, S. S. (2022). Into the Metaverse: Marketing to Gen Z consumers. Bathla, D. & Singh, A. (Eds.). In: Applying metalytics to measure customer experience in the metaverse. P. 92-98. USA: IGI Global.
  24. Lee, S. K., Chung, I. H., & Cho, Y. J. (2022). Effect of the ethical consumption tendency of millennials and members of Generation Z on the purchase intention of social enterprise fashion products. Human Ecology Research, 60(3), 443-458. http://dx.doi.org/10.6115/fer.2022.029
  25. Li, P., & Hassan, S. H. (2023). Mapping the literature on Gen Z purchasing behavior: A bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer. Innovative Marketing, 19(3), 62. https://doi.org/10.21511/im.19(3).2023.06
  26. Masserini, L., Bini, M., & Difonzo, M. (2024). Is generation Z more inclined than generation Y to purchase sustainable clothing?. Social Indicators Research, 175(3), 1155-1171. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-024-03328-5
  27. Mongeon P., & Paul-Hus, A. (2015). The journal coverage of Web of Science and Scopus: a comparative analysis. Scientometrics 106(1), 213–228. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-015-1765-5
  28. Montgomery, S. L. (2013). Does science need a global language?: English and the future of research. University of Chicago Press.
  29. Nataraj, S., & Shivanna, P. (2025). Generational marketing: a deep dive into behavior and characteristics of Generation Z. EPRA International Journal of Environmental Economics, Commerce and Educational Management Journal. Vol. 12, no. 1. 23-27. https://doi.org/10.36713/epra19781.
  30. Nuttall, C. (2025). 12 Characteristics of Gen Z in 2025. GWI. https://www.gwi.com/blog/generation-z-characteristics
  31. Özer Çizer, E. (2023). Innovation in consumer behavior: A 30-year systematic review. Trends in Business and Economics, 37(4), 237-245. https://doi.org/10.5152/TBE.2023.23114
  32. Öztürk, O., Kocaman, R. & Kanbach, D. K. (2024). How to design bibliometric research: An overview and a framework proposal. Review of Managerial Science. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11846-024-00738-0
  33. Petro, G. (2024). Gen-Z may be the most-studied consumer in history. Here’s what we know so far. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/gregpetro/2024/07/12/gen-z-may-be-the-most-studied-consumer-in-history-heres-what-we-know-so-far/.
  34. Popa, A., Barbu, C. A., & Ionascu, A. E. (2023). The new paradigm of online marketing: A study of Generation Z consumers’ behaviour and their attitude towards brands. New Trends in Sustainable Business and Consumption, 359-368. https://doi.org/10.24818/BASIQ/2023/09/040.
  35. Prisco, A., Ricciardi, I., Percuoco, M., & Basile, V. (2025). Sustainability-driven fashion: Unpacking generation Z’s second-hand clothing purchase intentions. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 85, 104306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2025.104306
  36. Rahaman, M. T. (2025). Eco-innovations in sustainable fashion: purchasing behavior, apparel merchandising, and emerging trends among Generation Z consumers. Next Research, 100926. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nexres.2025.100926
  37. Ridwan, N. H., Musa, C. I., & Haeruddin, M. I. M. (2025). Decision-making behavior of generation Z in online purchases: A systematic literature review. Multidisciplinary Reviews, 8(12), 2025384-2025384. https://doi.org/10.31893/multirev.2025384
  38. Robichaud, Z., & Yu, H. (2022). Do young consumers care about ethical consumption? Modelling Gen Z's purchase intention towards fair trade coffee. British Food Journal, 124(9), 2740-2760. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-05-2021-0536
  39. Snyder, H. (2019). Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 104, 333-339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.07.039
  40. Yahya, M. A., & Mammadzada, H. (2024). Targeting generation Z: A systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis for effective marketing. Journal of Politics, Economy and Management. 7(1), 21-44.
  41. Zhang, X. & Cheng, Y. (2023). Review of research on consumer behavior of Generation Z: Based on a systematic literature review. Academic Journal of Management and Social Sciences, 5(3), 118-125. https://doi.org/10.54097/n1nk8g3p.
  42. Dragolea, L. L., Butnaru, G. I., Kot, S., Zamfir, C. G., Nuţă, A. C., Nuţă, F. M.,. & Ştefănică, M. (2023). Determining factors in shaping the sustainable behavior of the Generation Z consumer. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 11, 1096183. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2023.1096183