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Negative Stereotypes

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Stereotypes Stereotypes follow all races, genders, religions, and age is no exception. Amy Cuddy uses a graph that categorizes stereotypes using a warmth/competence charting system. In the chart below, Cuddy lists the elderly as being considered warm incompetence. (Cuddy, 2002) Cuddy continues to describe this stereotyping stating that as society pities the elderly but the population is not respected leading to the perception that they are considered incompetent and passivity. She believes that this is manifested by discriminatory communication and treatment, thus leaving "older job applicants less likely to be hired, are viewed as more difficult to train, harder to place into jobs, more resistant to change, less suitable for promotion, and expected to have lower job performances." (Cuddy, 2002) There are other common stereotypes that are used to cast positive view on the older generation that include terms such as having increased experience, being knowledgeable, has constant work habits, holds positive attitudes, have a commitment to quality, loyalty to the company, possess crisis composure and respect for authority. Moreover though, we hear about the negative stereotypes, which consist of being unwilling or unable to adapt to technology, lacking a competitive drive, has physical or mental limitations, requires higher health insurance coverage cost and complacent. Stereotyping can bring about hostile relationships among co-workers, and organizations should foster

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