Document Type
Journal Article
Department/Unit
Department of Management
Title
Age diversity and firm performance in an emerging economy: Implications for cross-cultural human resource management
Language
English
Abstract
This study tests the effect of age diversity on firm performance among international firms. Based on the resource-based view of the firm, it argues that age diversity among employees will influence firm performance. Moreover, it argues that two contextual variables-a firm's level of market diversification and its country of origin-influence the relationship between age diversity and firm performance. By testing relevant hypotheses in a major emerging economy, that is, the People's Republic of China, this study finds a significant and positive effect of age diversity and a significant interactive effect between age diversity and firm strategy on profitability. We also find a significant relationship between age diversity and firm profitability for firms from Western societies, but not for firms from East Asian societies. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of this study's findings. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Keywords
Age diversity, China, Emerging economy, Firm performance, Human resource management
Publication Date
2011
Source Publication Title
Human Resource Management
Volume
50
Issue
2
Start Page
247
End Page
270
Publisher
Wiley
DOI
10.1002/hrm.20416
Link to Publisher's Edition
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/hrm.20416
ISSN (print)
00904848
ISSN (electronic)
1099050X
Recommended Citation
Li, Ji, Chris Wai Lung Chu, Kevin C. K. Lam, and Stacy Liao. "Age diversity and firm performance in an emerging economy: Implications for cross-cultural human resource management." Human Resource Management 50.2 (2011): 247-270.