Creencias estereotípicas sobre el desempeño laboral de trabajadores mayores en Chile

Abstract

Since the population of workers is becoming older, age-related stereotypes can lead to biased decision-making and become a harbinger of discriminating behavior in the labor arena. The purpose of this study is to investigate stereotypical beliefs about the performance of workers older than 55 years. We used a mixed convergent triangulation approach. One hundred and ninety-five workers participated as subjects, members of three economic sectors of a Region of Near South Chile. Subjects filled-out an instrument geared to establish the relationship and effect of socio-demographical and labor-related variables and the frequency of interaction on stereotypical beliefs about the performance of elderly workers and a qualitative instrument to reveal the contents and valence of those stereotypical beliefs. Results show that elderly workers are subject to unfavorable beliefs and are characterized in positive socio-economic terms and negative physical-mental terms. We advance some possible explanations and implications for theory and practice.