The Persistent Paradigm: Older Worker Stereotypes in the New Zealand Hotel Industry

In this article, the authors analyze stereotypical views about older workers in the New Zealand hotel industry to determine their likely influence on labor shortages. Data were collected from senior hotel managers using postal and online questionnaires. Overall, respondents were, at best, 80% or less confident in older workers’ skills, attitudes, and abilities, and at least 42% confident. Results show the tendency to hold stereotypical views, which may limit the recruitment of older workers. Recommendations for overcoming labor shortages include the need to shift from the paradigmatic view of youth as the main labor source, to appointing staff on the basis of individual skills and attributes.