Project Leader: Dr. hab. Waldemar Glabiszewski, Prof. UMK
The primary goal of this research project is to develop a model for enhancing the effectiveness of aging managers in performing their leadership functions. The model will take into account individual factors (particularly psychological, biomedical, and competency-related), organizational factors (economic, sociological, procedural, cultural, and communicative), as well as legal and technological factors (digital transformation).
The study will assess the influence of biomedical factors (e.g., cognitive health, physical fitness, sleep quality) on decision-making. Psychological aspects of aging—such as motivation, resilience, self-esteem, and sense of purpose at work—will also be analyzed. Additionally, the research will investigate the readiness and ability of older managers to implement innovations using new technologies (e.g., AI, remote management tools) and explore leadership patterns, including communication with younger generations (including Generation Z), that remain effective regardless of age.
Research Methodology
In addition to a literature review, the methodology will focus on two main pillars: survey research and interviews with the target group.
Survey research will examine:
- Biomedical factors: health status, physical fitness, sleep quality, stress, and cognitive health (e.g., memory and concentration tests).
- Psychological aspects of aging: motivation, resilience, sense of purpose at work, self-esteem, and perceived leadership effectiveness in later years.
- Readiness to implement new technologies: proficiency in modern tools (AI, remote work platforms) and attitudes toward new technologies and management innovations.
- Leadership styles: preferred management approaches (e.g., autocratic, democratic, transformational, adaptive) and decision-making processes in the context of age and changing market conditions.
Interviews with managers will cover:
- Life experience: how age has influenced leadership style and observed changes over time.
- Technology adaptation: specific examples of technologies implemented at work and challenges encountered.
- Motivation and sense of purpose: how managers perceive their motivation at later career stages and future challenges.
- Communication practices across generations: team formation, task assignment and verification, employee motivation.
Assessment Tools
To evaluate health and psychological aspects, standardized tests will be used, including:
- Cognitive ability tests: working memory, concentration, reaction time, MoCA, Trail Making Test.
- Mental health questionnaires: HQ-12, WHO-5, Hamilton Anxiety Scale.
- Physical fitness tests: endurance tests, blood pressure measurement, cholesterol levels.
Data Analysis
Data collected will allow statistical analysis, including:
- Comparative tests (e.g., t-tests, ANOVA) to compare age groups (50–60 vs. 60–70 years) regarding health, technology adaptability, and leadership effectiveness.
- Multiple regression to examine relationships between variables (e.g., how biomedical factors influence leadership effectiveness).
- Factor analysis to identify leadership styles.
- Latent class analysis to segment managers based on patterns of attitudes and competencies.
This integrated approach will provide a comprehensive understanding of how aging managers can maintain and enhance their leadership effectiveness, combining insights from psychology, biomedicine, and organizational studies.