A Longitudinal Analysis of the Relationship between Employer Characteristics and Age Discrimination Charge Filings

摘要

The study examines what the correlates are between age discrimination charges and employer characteristics using the longitudinal sample of 4000 establishments representing a random sample of establishments in the US. The study uses data on charges and establishments obtained through the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission who enforces the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). Using the panel data approach, the results suggest that the strongest predictor of ADEA charges, is past ADEA charges against the employer. Other characteristics such as a smaller span of control (number of employees per manager), to some extent a greater proportion of minority employees, being a headquarters establishment, or being a federal contractor, are associated with more charges. The implications of these findings are discussed.