An organizational development approach towards age diversity practices in Belgian organizations

Abstract

Belgium is characterized by a very low employment level of older employees. This problem is created by the different stakeholders over a period of 35 years. We clarify our main research objectives and questions. Next we explain our theoretical framework: a "generative theory" that generates actions and opportunities beyond merely explaining and predicting. The framework, which is built around the "practice" concept, is mainly intended to lead to an open discussion concerning age-related problems and possible HR solutions. We then discuss our research and intervention methodology—organization development/process consultation—which we used in two in-company research projects. These projects are aimed at the pro-active discovery of new practices that encourage workers to work longer, more efficiently, and more enthusiastically. We describe the different steps in the two projects as well as their results. We end with conclusions and discussions and shed light on practical and theoretical implications.