Age discrimination within a P‐E fit paradigm: Maintaining fit with an active work style
Abstract
In the context of work environment and within‐person change, age discrimination represents a substantial and important challenge for mid‐ to late‐career workers. This present research expands the current literature by examining age discrimination within a P‐E fit paradigm. Utilizing the theory of work adjustment, we examined the effect of perceived age discrimination upon demands–abilities (D‐A) fit and needs–supplies (N‐S) fit in two, two‐wave studies. Consistent with hypotheses, Study 1 (N = 1345) demonstrated that as individuals perceived increasing experiences of age discrimination, both D‐A and N‐S fit decreased over time. Study 2 (N = 665) included active work styles, defined as an individual's general level and pattern of workplace effort and activity, as a possible moderating variable of the relationship between age discrimination and D‐A fit. As expected, the engagement of a highly active work style ameliorated the deleterious effects of age discrimination. Implications for future empirical research and possible workplace applications deriving from these studies are discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Mar 20, 2017
- Source ID
- 10.1111/joop.12173
Entities
People
- Barbara Griffin
- Karla Van Leeuwen
Organizations
- Australian Research Council
- Cancer Council New South Wales
- Macquarie University
- National Heart Foundation of Australia
- Naval Surface Warfare Center