Normative Team Age Prototypes: Exploring Follower, Leader, and Team Characteristics

Abstract The concept of implicit organizational timetables suggests that leaders are expected to be older than their followers. However, increased age diversity in the workforce has led situations which this is not case. Expanding on core tenets leader categorization theory, present study establishes an age-prototypical team characterized by relative followers and explores how prototypicality influences subsequent observer evaluations team. Moreover, examines possible boundary conditions intermediary mechanisms further explain bias evaluation age-diverse teams. To establish explore nature effect age-based prototypes, we conducted 3 independent experimental vignette studies. In Study 1 (n = 590), evidence for demonstrating a “leaders older, younger” prototype considering follower as condition effects ratings attraction team, anticipated behaviors, expectations future success. Then, 2 686) 782), extend these results examining perception (Study 2) 3) performance cues influenced composition prototypes. 3, also consider attributional associations between perceived qualities Results suggest inconsistent teams (i.e., with younger followers) viewed more harshly face negative function rather because or attributes individually.