Eastern Illinois University The Keep Masters Theses Student Theses & Publications 2016 What's Their Expiration Date? Age Discrimination in the Workplace Bianca L. Tomlin Eastern Illinois University This research is a product of the graduate program in Communication Studies at Eastern Illinois University. Find out more about the program. Recommended Citation Tomlin, Bianca L., "What's Their Expiration Date? Age Discrimination in the Workplace" (2016). Masters Theses. 2473. https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/2473 This is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Theses & Publications at The Keep. It has been accepted for inclusion in Masters Theses by an authorized administrator of The Keep. For more information, please contact [email protected]. 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Tomlin THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF Master of Arts in Communication Studies IN THE GRADUATE SCHOOL, EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY CHARLESTON, ILLINOIS 2016 YEAR I HEREBY RECOMMEND THAT THIS THESIS BE ACCEPTED AS FULFILLING THIS PART OF THE GRADUATE DEGREE CITED ABOVE b/u_il.9 (.-6-lb THESIS COMMITTEE CHAIR DATE DEPARTMENT/SCHOOL CHAIR DATE OR CHAIR'S DESIGNEE '71w/tlz �10//(p THESIS COMMITTEE MEMBER DATE THliYOMMITTEE MEMBER DATE THESIS COMMITTEE MEMBER DATE THESIS COMMITTEE MEMBER DATE Running Head: WHAT'S THEIR EXPIRATION DA TE? AGE DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE What's their Expiration Date? Age Discrimination in the Workplace Bianca L. Tomlin Eastern Illinois University WHAT'S THEIR EXPIRATION DATE: AGE DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE 2 Copyright 2016 by Bianca L. Tomlin WHAT'S THEIR EXPIRATION DATE: AGE DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE 3 Abstract Age discrimination, although illegal, continues to have a presence within organizations against older individuals. Previous research on age discrimination has determined that the social identity of those older workers discriminated against are affected. This project examines how older workers are being discriminated against, how age discrimination affects the dignity of an older worker, and how age discrimination affects the professional identity of older workers. This study focuseson eleven white- collar workers, age 45-65 who have experienced age discrimination in the workplace. Analysis revealed that older workers foundth emselves being fired fromorganizations, barred fromentry into organizations, and denied training opportunities because they were an expense to the organization. The analysis also revealed participants felt a lack of dignity where they felt worthless and their knowledge was unvalued in the organization and their professional identity sufferedas they feltinsecu re forthe ir future and began to question their abilities as a worker during and afterbeing discriminated against. Theoretical and practical implications are offered fortho se organizations that overtly and/or covertly participate in age discrimination and how to create a more inclusive environment fortheir older workers. Recommendations forfuture research are presented and a practical application forinclus ivity of older workers in organizations is presented. Keywords: Age discrimination, social identity, dignity, professional identity. WHAT'S THEIR EXPIRATION DATE: AGE DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE 4 Dedication This is dedicated to my father forbringing to light this issue and being strong enough to stand up to it and let his voice be heard. Thank you forbei ng my inspiration forthi s project. This is also dedicated to my family. Mom and Dad - Thank you will never be said enough foryou r guidance. I can confidently say that there is no way I would have gotten through graduate school without the support and love from my loved ones. A special dedication to my Grandma B. Thank you forwatching over me. WHAT'S THEIR EXPIRATION DATE: AGE DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE 5 Acknowledgements Dr. Samantha Szczur: Thank you for your guidance and supportthrough this project. Dr. Elizabeth Gill and Dr. Marita Gronnvoll: Your support andaccommoda tions throughout this process were instrumental to the success of this project. Thank you for your input and expertise along the way. My Thesis Participants: Thank you for lettingyour story be told. Continue to stand up for what you believe in and never doubt your ability to do anything, "j ust because of a few gray hairs". This project is because of you! WHAT'S THEIR EXPIRATION DATE: AGE DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE 6 Table of Contents Contents Abstract 3 Dedication 4 Acknowledgements 5 Chapter I: Introduction 7 Chapter II: Literature Review 13 Chapter III: Methodology 45 Chapter IV: Analysis 62 Perceived Age Discrimination 62 Dignity 75 Professional Identity 86 Chapter V: Discussion 97 Practical Application 112 Chapter VI: Conclusion 127 References 129 Appendices 139 Appendix I: Informed Consent 139 Appendix 2: Interview Instrument 143 Appendix 3: Call to Action 145 Appendix 4: Interview Participants 147 WHAT'S THEIR EXPIRATION DATE: AGE DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE 7 Introduction My firstexperience understanding the challenges our economy is facing in regards to job retention happened a little over a year ago. I understood the scarcity of jobs in our country's current economic state, but did not realize the impact until it was at my doorstep. My father, a salesman in the transportation industry, with over twenty-five years of experience, would be considered a professional in his field. He is the kind of person that enjoys the monotonous questions people ask such as, "What do you do for work?" when engaging in conversation. I cannot recall a time of my father complaining about work. Up until recently, my fatherhas always nudged me in the direction of the transportation industry with the hopes that I may one day join him in the field. I considered it as a real possibility, up until recently. My fatherwas laid offthree times within the span of one year. The reason? He was told he was too old and a monetary liability. People in white-collar, middle- management jobs, with a lifetime of experience, skills, and knowledge are finding themselves at a crossroads. Is it due to their lack of qualifications or inability to keep up with demand? No. Contrary to societal belief, these professionals are findingthem selves at a loss of a job due to society's idea of the capabilities of older workers and cultural implications. For many years, an older employee within an organization was not seen as being anything but an advantage or an asset to the organization. With older workers most times residing as the "face"of these organizations it is questioned as to why there has been a rise in discrimination against older workers. This