How are older engineers perceived? A study of age stereotypes and gender

Due to demographic changes the German workforce will age considerably during the next decades. Furthermore, a lack of skilled engineers is expected or can already be observed. How are older engineers perceived and treated by HRM in comparison to younger engineers? A study on age stereotypes and ageism tries to shed light on these topics by using a questionnaire. Hypotheses are derived from Rosenberg and Hovland's model of attitude. Negative and positive age stereotypes about older engineers were confirmed. Additionally, negative stereotypes lead to a bias against older applicants for a virtual position requiring innovativeness. That means that negative age stereotypes lead to the willingness to discriminate against older employees. Furthermore, the role of gender of subject and object, and interaction effects are discussed.