Is age really nothing but a number? - Norms and practices related to age and employment in the Municipality of Gothenburg Department

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this thesis was a) to describe how institutional pressures on organizations maintains, as well as challenges, current norms and practices regarding age and employment, and b) how organizations can respond strategically to these pressures. The background to the study is that the population is getting older, thus there is an increasing need for better age management in the workplace. Design – We used a case study design, and the study was conducted in a large Swedish municipality. The empirical data was collected in semi-structured interviews with HR practitioners and operational managers, and was analyzed using Oliver's (1991) model of strategic responses to institutional processes, as the authors hypothesize that institutional pressure causes as well as challenges norms and practices. Findings – Results indicated that norms and practices that inhibit better age management include e.g. negative attitudes related to age and a lack of strategies on how to retain older employees. We found support for the hypothesis that institutional pressure causes as well as challenges these norms and practices. There was a relative lack of strategic replies. Originality/value – The study offers explanations for factors that inhibit good age management, and offers suggestions for organizations that want to create age-friendly workplaces.