Abstract

This study investigates the influence of age on perceived technological competence and interpersonal skills in the workplace. We aimed to challenge common age-related stereotypes and explore the potential effects of individual variability within the older adult population. Using an online experiment and survey method, we examined participants' assessments of a younger versus older hypothetical worker's technological competence. Our findings revealed no significant difference between the perceived technological competence of older and younger workers, suggesting that age stereotypes may be less prevalent than typically assumed. Contrary to previous research, our data indicated that older participants did not hold negative attitudes towards their in-group members. The study further showed that age did not significantly influence self-reported technological learning satisfaction or self-efficacy about learning technology. Our research highlights the importance of addressing age-related stereotypes to foster a diverse and inclusive workforce. Furthermore, it emphasizes the necessity of creating an environment that supports and encourages employees of all ages to learn and adapt to new technologies, considering the increasingly multigenerational nature of workplaces. The study's findings have significant implications for organizational practices and policies, particularly concerning age diversity and technology-related competency. However, limitations related to sample representation and geographical constraints suggest a need for further research to extend and validate these findings.