Ageism: Careers in the Shadow of Age Bias
Ageism: Careers in the Shadow of Age Bias

Author(s): Ivana Bulimbašić Paulin
Subject(s): Social differentiation, Family and social welfare, Demography and human biology, Gerontology, Human Resources in Economy, Labour and Social Security Law
Published by: Sveučilište Josipa Jurja Strossmayera u Osijeku, Ekonomski fakultet u Osijeku
Keywords: ageism; age discrimination; inclusion; social sustainability; corporate culture;
Summary/Abstract: Ageism in the business world is one of the most widespread, yet at the same time, least recognized and acknowledged, stereotypes and prejudices that lead to discrimination. It is rarely identified in practice, corporate culture, or organizational policies. It significantly affects careers, employability, living standards, inclusion, and professional self-confidence of both older and younger employees. The experience, knowledge, and stability of employees aged 50+ are often stereotyped as inflexibility, technological illiteracy, and an inability to fit into company culture. Conversely, for younger employees entering the labor market for the first time, inexperience, youth, self-confidence, and flexibility are associated with disinterest, disloyalty, and irresponsibility. Within the organization’s culture, both groups are overlooked. As a result, business systems lose valuable human capital, incur higher operating costs, experience lower profitability, develop poor organizational culture, and weaken social sustainability. At the same time, individuals remain invisible and professionally disadvantaged.

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