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Older workers and organizational change: corporate memory versus potentiality

Author

Listed:
  • Philip Taylor
  • Libby Brooke
  • Christopher McLoughlin
  • Tia Di Biase

Abstract

Purpose - Drawing on the recent work of Sennett and others who considered the position of older workers in dynamic economies subject to rapid change, this paper aims to examine the perceived fit between employees of different ages and their employing organizations in four Australian workplaces. Design/methodology/approach - Analysis of qualitative data, collected among workers and managers in four Australian organizations, was performed. Findings - Results suggests that potentiality tended to be prized as an asset over corporate memory. While managers were frequently paternalistic towards their older employees, ageing human capital was often devalued as managers tried to balance operational budgets and organizations sought to remain responsive to changing market demands. Originality/value - The paper discusses the implications for the prolongation of working lives.

Suggested Citation

  • Philip Taylor & Libby Brooke & Christopher McLoughlin & Tia Di Biase, 2010. "Older workers and organizational change: corporate memory versus potentiality," International Journal of Manpower, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 31(3), pages 374-386, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:ijmpps:v:31:y:2010:i:3:p:374-386
    DOI: 10.1108/01437721011050639
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Geneviève Reday-Mulvey, 2005. "Working Beyond 60," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-0-230-50498-1, December.
    2. Philip Taylor & Peter Urwin, 2001. "Age and Participation in Vocational Education and Training," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 15(4), pages 763-779, December.
    3. Brad Jorgensen & Philip Taylor, 2008. "Older Workers, Government And Business: Implications For Ageing Populations Of A Globalising Economy," Economic Affairs, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(1), pages 17-22, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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