The influence of age on perceptions of relationship quality and performance in care service work teams

Purpose – This paper seeks to examine age‐related perceptions of the quality of relationships at work and performance in mentally and physically demanding care service work settings. Design/methodology/approach – The study was conducted in six residential homes for the elderly in Germany. Data of 150 respondents were analyzed using multiple hierarchical regression and mediation tests. The mediating role of relationship quality in the relationship between age and employee performance was examined. Findings – It was found that older employees experienced better exchange relationships with their supervisors, and that this mediated the relationship between age and job satisfaction. Research limitations/implications – The sample is female dominated. Organizations are in transition from conventional organizational structure to team structure with employees' high company and job tenure. Practical implications – A higher relationship quality suggests a higher quality of older workers' job appraisal, which might be a starting point for older followers to rethink career perspectives and start further individual development. Originality/value – The findings extend earlier studies and provide more insight into the relationship between age, relationship quality, and employee performance from a follower's point‐of‐view.