The influence of age stereotypes on managerial decisions

Abstract

Used an in-basket exercise to investigate the influence of age stereotypes on the simulated managerial decisions of 142 business undergraduates. A "younger employee" and an "older employee" version were created for each of 6 in-basket items covering a variety of managerial problems. Results confirm the hypothesis that stereotypes regarding older employees' physical, cognitive, and emotional characteristics lead to discrimination against older workers. Implications for older workers' motivation and career satisfaction are discussed, and suggestions are made for organizational change to accommodate the special needs of older workers. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)