Cypriot managers' perceptions of older workers in Cyprus

Abstract

Age discrimination in employment and managers' perceptions of older workers are issues that are not typically addressed in developing countries. Nor is age discrimination in employment a priority issue for policy makers and business leaders in these countries. Research was conducted in the developing country of Cyprus to evaluate Cypriot managers' perceptions of older workers and to evaluate the potential for serious age discrimination in employment issues. Results indicate there are significant differences in managers' perceptions of older workers according the manager's gender, age, and employment at public sector versus private sector companies. Significant differences also exist among managers of different ages when describing their most productive worker. These results provide some evidence of perceptual issues about age that may lead to age discrimination in employment in Cyprus. Suggestions are provided to counter these perceptions.