Now, it's important to understand that Monster's Gen Zers are between the ages of 15 to 20 at the time of the survey, and 77 percent of them are students. Anyone who has ever been a student may recall that youthful attitudes occasionally shift with age. Additionally, altruism tends to be higher among those who have not yet experienced working full-time for a living.

That said, as Monster points out in its report, "Gen Z are the true 'digital natives,' the first-ever generation to have ubiquitous internet technology at their fingertips since birth, and the survey reveals that they don't merely think outside the box — they throw it away entirely." So there is a high likelihood that at least some of the attitudes and work-life objectives articulated by these respondents will stick with them as the enter the workforce.

Generational answers

Let's take a look at the responses by generation to questions posed by Monster.

Should a job be more meaningful than simply being a way to earn a living? The percentage of "yes" replies are as follows:

• Gen Z: 74 percent.

• Millennials: 63 percent.

• Gen X: 40 percent.

• Boomers: 33 percent.

Should a person be responsible for driving her or his own career?

• Gen Z: 76 percent.

• Millennials: 64 percent.

• Gen X: 67 percent.

• Boomers: 75 percent.

Are you strongly motivated by money when considering a job?

• Gen Z: 70 percent.

• Millennials: 63 percent.

• Gen X: 59 percent.

• Boomers: 59 percent.

Are you willing to work nights and weekends for higher pay?

• Gen Z: 58 percent.

• Millennials: 45 percent.

• Gen X: 40 percent.

• Boomers: 33 percent.

Are you willing to move to take a job?

• Gen Z: 74 percent.

• Millennials: 45 percent.

• Gen X: 40 percent.

• Boomers: 33 percent

Other results

The study also found that Gen Z is more likely than other generations to use the latest technology for work-related communications purposes. When asked how important the following devices are to their communications style on the job, here are their replies compared to other generations:

Laptop

• Gen Z: 37 percent.

• All others: 30 percent.

Smartphone

• Gen Z: 39 percent.

• All others: 25 percent.

Texting

• Gen Z: 23 percent.

• All others: 13 percent.

Social media

• Gen Z: 21 percent.

• All others: 9 percent.

"Optimizing Gen Z's power to transform industry relies on keeping them motivated," the report says. "The digital-native nature of Gen Z means they're already accustomed to rapidly and constantly changing environments and stimulators, so employers will need to maintain a focus on their core values to keep these new workers inspired."

And while the top motivator was money, the report says, Gen Z also values the ability to pursue their passion through work and a challenging job more highly than do other generations.