Which of the following explains why the relationship between age and job performance is likely to be of increasing importance during the next decade?
A) The workforce is shrinking, and older workers are compelled to work beyond retirement.
B) A decline in immigration has opened up more entry-level positions for older workers.
C) Increasing job opportunities are opening up in the domestic sector, resulting in a dearth of employees.
D) U.S. legislation, in effect, outlaws mandatory retirement.
E) A majority of people believe that productivity rises as a person grows older.
Question 2
Raylon Inc is in the process of recruiting a new operations manager. The human resources team has narrowed the candidate list down to two candidates but cannot come to an agreement about whom to hire.
Though both candidates have the relevant qualifications for the post, one will soon be 60 years old. The other candidate is in his early thirties. Rachel, a member of the HR team, recommends hiring the older candidate, citing his years of experience and leadership ability. Tim, on the other hand, strongly recommends that the company hire the younger candidate, as he is likely to be more flexible when it comes to working. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens Rachel's argument?
A) The job requires frequent travel around the company's six factories located across the country.
B) Most of the employees the operations manager will be supervising are under 30 years of age.
C) Research has shown that older workers are more prone to absenteeism for health-related issues.
D) Almost half of the company's top managers are in the 45-65 age bracket.
E) The company recently instituted a new production system that cuts waste by 30 percent.