Hiring the Elderly: an Ethical Dilemma
Hiring the Elderly: an Ethical Dilemma
Abstract
The purpose of this report is to examine the topic of hiring the elderly in Latvia from a business ethics point of view. Since there are several tendencies, like ageing population, lack of labour-force, a shift towards western values and standards of company conduct, etc., that are observable in Latvia, the authors believe this complex issue to be of significant importance and controversy.
While putting forward the principle-based argument that age discrimination of elderly work candidates is morally wrong, the paper discusses the consequences of hiring elderly and also common misperceptions of these consequences and of elder workers’ capabilities. Conflicting economical and social values are identified and discussed, affected interest groups are considered, and a possible solution - applying a tax allowance for companies that hire elder people – is presented and its effects on the different interest groups are considered in this report as well. Additionally, a hypothetical calculation model of what such a policy would cost to the government with explanations is included, and also benefits and costs to various stakeholders are looked upon. The few currently implemented government incentives to deal with this issue are reviewed, as well as possible alternative solutions apart from a tax allowance. Conclusions are given at the end, the main result being that there is a need for further state support to the elderly in the labour market, and a tax allowance being found to be the most suitable means for that in Latvia. The information used is mainly derived from published material in form of internet publications, relevant textbooks, and personal interviews with managers of companies and the elderly employees.
Table of Contents
Scrooge vs. philanthropist 4 Urgency or Demographics of Trouble 4
Age Discrimination at its Finest 5 Price of Experience or First Out 5 Unrealised Advantages
Abstract
The purpose of this report is to examine the topic of hiring the elderly in Latvia from a business ethics point of view. Since there are several tendencies, like ageing population, lack of labour-force, a shift towards western values and standards of company conduct, etc., that are observable in Latvia, the authors believe this complex issue to be of significant importance and controversy.
While putting forward the principle-based argument that age discrimination of elderly work candidates is morally wrong, the paper discusses the consequences of hiring elderly and also common misperceptions of these consequences and of elder workers’ capabilities. Conflicting economical and social values are identified and discussed, affected interest groups are considered, and a possible solution - applying a tax allowance for companies that hire elder people – is presented and its effects on the different interest groups are considered in this report as well. Additionally, a hypothetical calculation model of what such a policy would cost to the government with explanations is included, and also benefits and costs to various stakeholders are looked upon. The few currently implemented government incentives to deal with this issue are reviewed, as well as possible alternative solutions apart from a tax allowance. Conclusions are given at the end, the main result being that there is a need for further state support to the elderly in the labour market, and a tax allowance being found to be the most suitable means for that in Latvia. The information used is mainly derived from published material in form of internet publications, relevant textbooks, and personal interviews with managers of companies and the elderly employees.
Table of Contents
Scrooge vs. philanthropist 4 Urgency or Demographics of Trouble 4
Age Discrimination at its Finest 5 Price of Experience or First Out 5 Unrealised Advantages