Age Stereotypes in the Workplace

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if age stereotypes are used in different types of workplace decisions, and if so, what individual characteristics would predict who uses the stereotypes. This study was a laboratory investigation administered to both university students and workplace managers. Subjects participated in a videotaped interview scenario, and "paper people" application screening and performance appraisal scenarios, as well as completing a booklet of personality and age perception measures. Results showed that age-related characteristics were used more when making ratings than chronological age. However, when ratings were equal, chronological age was used in the final decisions, with subjects favoring the younger people. Results in determining what individual characteristics lead to the use of stereotypes were disappointing. Implications of the findings of this research for future research and workplace applications are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)