'Most workers in start-ups prefer younger bosses'

Over 52 per cent women and 75 per cent men working in start-ups prefer younger superiors, according to a recent TeamLease study.

The women feel younger bosses are less prejudiced and more open to diverse points of view.

The study titled "The younger boss-older subordinate relationship" said the preference for younger bosses was not restricted to women.

BATTING FOR YOUNG
How employees perceive young bosses

• 41% Find them more understanding than older ones
• 27% Feel that they are more practical
• 21% Feel older employees reporting to younger bosses is a big challenge
• 18% Feel they are friendly, fun and easy to work with
• 17% Feel that young bosses are “unrealistic”
• 11% Feel that young bosses lack business relevant knowledge

 

Around 75 per cent of men in the start-up industry were open to reporting to a younger superior, indicating a clear shift in qualities that define leadership. Though there was a penchant for young bosses, there was an equal wave of resentment over their leadership style, TeamLease said.

Over 57 per cent of entry-to-mid level employees favoured working with younger superiors and 75 per cent of professionals with over 20 years of experience looked forward to working with older bosses. They attributed age with capabilities to handle complexities, ambiguity, people and organisational transformations.

"The shift in the power equation is mainly due to the increasing thrust on technological prowess. Apart from tech-suaveness, the young brigade is perceived to be agile and innovation-friendly," said Kunal Sen, senior vice-president, TeamLease Services.

"However, for long-term growth, organisations require a good mix of talent both old and young, with capabilities to handle the many complex situations a company faces," he added.

Barring the automobile industry, which expressed a higher preference (73 per cent) for more experienced leaders, both infotech (69 per cent) and non-infotech sectors (58 per cent) chose youngsters.