MIT Sloan Management Review Article on Older and Wiser? How Management Style Varies With Age

While younger managers prefer narrower, more technical approaches, older ones tend to work through others and focus on the big picture.

In recent years, one of the most profound changes in the workplace has been the increase in age diversity. Large organizations have employees from as many as five generations. Low inflation, low interest rates, and low savings rates have resulted in longer working lives, with many people working into their 70s and beyond. Millions of people are also living longer than ever — with growing numbers in developed countries expected to reach their 100th birthday.

Age diversity, like other forms of diversity, brings significant benefits to the organizations that embrace it. But it also creates challenges. Different generations have their own expectations and demands, and working relationships can become strained. It’s not always easy to report to someone who is significantly older or younger than you are. Prejudice and stereotyping can creep in, as well, when the differences aren’t properly managed.

About the Author

Julian Birkinshaw (@jbirkinshaw) is a professor of strategy and entrepreneurship at London Business School. James Manktelow (@jnmanktelow) is the founder of Mind Tools Ltd., an online training company in the United Kingdom. Vittorio D’Amato is director of the international MBA program at LIUC Business School at Università Cattaneo in Castellanza, Italy, where Elena Tosca and Francesca Macchi are adjunct professors.

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