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Working and ageing
84 Guidance and counselling for mature learners

of years. Initial education, for example completing secondary vocational
education (MBO in Dutch), was not included in this variable. In further
research, this could be included, because a higher level of initial education
might imply greater learning ability (Oosterbeek, 1998).
Outcomes of both studies have to be interpreted somewhat cautiously. The
studies were cross-sectional. Results could have been influenced by the
situation at this specific point in time. Employees in Breukersʼ study had just
heard that the company had to reorganise when the survey was administered.
This might have had an impact on employeesʼ responses to the questionnaire,
for instance regarding employability questions. They may have feared that
answers might be used to influence decisions or motives for any dismissal as
part of the reorganisation. The moment of data collection by Wittpoth
(December and January) can be expected to have lowered the response rate.
Since both studies were conducted in a single organisation, results can not
easily be generalised to other organisations.

Abbreviation list

HRD human resources development
LMX leader-member exchange

References

Armstrong-Stassen, M.; Schlosser, F. (2008). Benefits of a supportive
development climate for older workers. Journal of managerial
psychology, Vol. 23, Issue 4, p. 419-437.
Armstrong-Stassen, M.; Ursel, N.D. (2009). Perceived organizational
support, career satisfaction, and the retention of older workers.
Journal of occupational and organizational psychology, Vol. 82, Issue 1,
p. 201-220.
Billett, S. (2001). Learning throughout working life: interdependencies at
work. Studies in continuing education, Vol. 23, Issue 1, p. 19-35.
Bloch, S.; Bates, T. (1995). Employability: your way to career success.
London: Kogan Page.