Meta-analysis of age and job performance relation: Is job complexity a moderator?

Abstract

I conducted a meta-analysis of 121 samples (N = 18,694) that examined the relation between age and job performance with job complexity as a moderator. Job complexity was operationalized as the ratings on job tasks tapping fluid task abilities, or GFTA, and crystallized task abilities, or GCTA. I found that the correlation between age and job performance decreased as jobs were rated higher on GFTA; however, there was no evidence that the correlation between age and job performance increased as jobs were rated higher on GCTA. The correlation between age and job performance increased as jobs were rated lower on both GFTA and GCTA and increased as jobs were rated lower on GFTA and higher on GCTA. The correlation between age and job performance decreased as jobs were rated higher on both GFTA and GCTA