An Expanded View of Age Bias in the Workplace

Abstract

This chapter addresses the precursors and processes of age bias at work from a broad perspective. The tripartite model of attitudes and Fiske's (2004) social bias framework provide a foundation and structure for the discussion of age bias research. Motives, mediators, moderators, and consequences of age bias are each reviewed. Practical suggestions for reducing age bias at work are considered from the perspective of the bias holder, the target, the organization, and the larger culture. The chapter concludes with suggestions for future research on the measurement of workplace bias, on considering social-psychological theories of bias, and on collecting evidence for potential solutions to age bias at work.