Attitudes towards Older Workers

The Perspective of University Students

Abstract

We seek to understand (a) if the penta-dimensional structure (dimensions: adaptability, value of older people to the organization, conscientiousness and loyalty; capital and generosity; performance) of the measuring instrument of managers’ attitudes towards older workers previously developed is replicated in a sample of university students and (b) whether these attitudes help to explain the decisions of students. The sample involved 278 university students. The main results are the following: (a) the penta-dimensional structure obtained with Portuguese and Brazilian managers is replicated in the sample of students; (b) although students recognize qualities in older workers, they tend to reveal discriminatory practices with respect
to such employees, and those practices appear to be more pronounced than those observed with managers.