Job Complexity and the Aging Workforce: Causal Effects on Learning Performance and Change Self-Efficacy.

Autor/inn/en	Zhang, Fangfang; Li, Guofan; Parker, Sharon K.
Titel	Job Complexity and the Aging Workforce: Causal Effects on Learning Performance and Change Self-Efficacy. Gefälligkeitsübersetzung: Komplexität der Arbeit und eine alternde Belegschaft: Kausale Auswirkungen auf die Lernleistung und die Selbstwirksamkeit im Hinblick auf Veränderungen.
Quelle	In: Work, aging and retirement, (2026) online first, 04 May 2026, 13 S. PDF als Volltext kostenfreie Datei Link als defekt meldenVerfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	2054-4650
DOI	10.1093/workar/waag008
Schlagwörter	Kompetenz; Bewältigung; Kognitive Kompetenz; Lernfähigkeit; Lernerfolg; Unterforderung; Programmierung; Arbeitsanforderung; Roboter; Technologische Entwicklung; Lagertechnik; Anforderungsprofil; Arbeitsgestaltung; Alter; Anwendung; Auswirkung; Junger Erwachsener; Älterer Arbeitnehmer; USA
Abstract	"As technological change accelerates, designing work that supports older workers' learning is a critical organizational challenge. Drawing on cognitive aging and work design literature, we investigate whether job complexity acts as a hindrance or as a catalyst for learning. We examine both objective learning performance and change self-efficacy as two key facets of successful learning and adaptation, and whether age moderates the effect of job complexity on learning. We conducted a randomized experimental study including both younger and older workers (N = 312) in which we investigated the causal effect of moderately complex work, compared to low-complexity work, on learning. Results showed that medium job complexity predicted superior objective learning performance (e.g., higher success rates, shorter completion times) and increased change self-efficacy. Contrary to age-differentiated predictions, the benefits of moderate complexity were consistent across older and younger workers. Together, the findings provide causal evidence that manageable job complexity can build both immediate mastery and confidence for future change, challenging deficit-based assumptions about older workers' capacity tolearn." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku).
Erfasst von	Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung, Nürnberg
Update	2026/4