Stereotypical Beliefs on Old Korean Workers

Abstract

In South Korea, it is a widespread occurrence that old workers are the first victims of employment restructuring and age limit regulations during recruitment. As age discrimination in the workplace is related to stereotypical beliefs concerning old workers, this study examines the contents and extent of stereotypical beliefs regarding senior Korean workers, and reveals influential variables affecting these beliefs. For tools of measurement, a 20 item scale was constructed based on literature reviews and interviews with experts working in the field of elderly employment. Survey results of supervisors and employees representing each of 294 Korean middle and small scale enterprises showed stereotypical beliefs were categorized into three sub sections, and were high in the order of competence, sociability and reliability. Firstly, competence was influenced by the evaluation of job performance by old employees, the hierarchical characteristics of companies, discriminatory work conditions and cases of old workers holding positions of authority in relation to the respondent. Secondly, sociability was also influenced by the hierarchical characteristics of companies, discriminatory work conditions and the experience of working with old employees, as well as the type of business, wage decision system and job position of the respondent. Finally, reliability was affected by the evaluation of old employee job performance, the speed of adaptation to the introduction of new technologies, job position, and discriminatory work conditions. Based on these results, this study recommends improving job skills and cooperation in the workplace among different generations.