AGE PERCEPTIONS OF JOBS- CONVERGENCE OF TWO QUESTIONNAIRES

Abstract
Purpose of this study is to provide empirical information on the age perceptions of 40 managerial jobs. 120 managers were asked to complete either a frequency grid questionnaire or a numerically anchored rating scale describing their perceptions of the age distribution in each job. Jobs were classified as older, younger, or age-neutral only if results obtained using the two questionnaires provided converging classifications. Of these jobs 62% were classified as older, younger, or age-neutral using the convergence criteria. The consideration of contextual variables such as job characteristics is discussed in relation to decision outcomes.