Understanding Motivation Across Generations Andro Dgebuadze’s Session for HR Professionals

On February 11, the Georgian Business Council (GBC), in collaboration with the Caucasus Training Center in the UAE (CTC), hosted a distinguished gathering for HR professionals titled:

“Beyond Bonuses: The Alchemy of Motivation.”

The event took place at the Georgian cultural center — the ethnographic restaurant Qartuli in Dubai — bringing together senior HR leaders, consultants, and executives from leading UAE and international organizations, including Schneider Electric, Al Qaswa, Al Shamsi Holdings, Ebury Partners Dubai, and other major companies.

The session, led by renowned speaker Andro Dgebuadze, explored the philosophical foundations of motivation in today’s evolving workplace. Discussions focused on generational differences — particularly between Millennials and Generation Z — examining how expectations, workplace values, and approaches to professional development are transforming organizational culture.

Drawing on Joseph Campbell’s concept of the “Hero’s Journey,” the speaker illustrated how individuals move through distinct stages of growth, challenge, and transformation throughout their lives. These stages shape not only personal identity but also professional ambition and engagement.

The discussion highlighted a fundamental shift in motivation paradigms — from external drivers such as bonuses, titles, and formal recognition toward deeper, internal sources of meaning and self-understanding. Referencing Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the session emphasized that sustainable fulfillment is achieved through self-development and purpose, rather than solely through material rewards.

For GBC, the central takeaway was clear: HR professionals play a pivotal role in recognizing each employee’s developmental stage and evolving aspirations. By aligning organizational practices with individual growth journeys, leaders can cultivate workplaces that foster authentic engagement and long-term motivation.The Georgian Business Council remains committed to creating platforms where business leadership, philosophy, and culture intersect — encouraging meaningful dialogue and forward-thinking collaboration among professionals in the region.