"It does not help to look young and dumb...": Ageism and intergenerational contact in the Norwegian technical industry

Jenny Meinich, Katherine Sang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)
201 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Purpose
While age is receiving increased attention in the literature on workplace diversity, it remains under researched. Intergenerational contact and its relationship to ageism require further research to understand their mechanisms and impacts. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach
Using semi-structured interviews in the Norwegian technical industry, this paper explores how generations are formed and how this influences intergenerational contact.

Findings
Through the lens of ageism, the findings reveal that generational stereotypes are strongly held by respondents, and may affect how members of the generations interact in the workplace. Further, the data demonstrate that both age and generation are socially constructed, and age discrimination is perceived by both older and younger workers.

Originality/value
The study has relevance for managers who are overseeing organizations with considerable age differences.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)202-218
Number of pages17
JournalEquality, Diversity and Inclusion
Volume37
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 Apr 2018

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