Human capital of senior employees: reality and myths

Abstract

Currently, the study of the human capital of senior workers is relevant for both European countries and Russia; the preservation and development of the human capital of older workers is of economic and social importance. The authors of this article explore characteristics of the human capital of senior workers, identify and systematise various factors of the external and internal environment that actualise specific characteristics, as well as the processes of formation, preservation, development and evaluation of this type of capital. To study the human capital of senior workers, a sociological approach is used to clarify the application of the concept of social action in various institutions, including the economic sphere. A systematic approach is also applied, where the human capital is viewed as an open and dynamic structure influenced by various factors of the external and internal environment. The authors clarify the theoretical conclusions and hypotheses by the results of a sociological study (with focus groups) and analysis of statistical data. They propose recommendations on the need for consistent work to destroy the negative stereotypes and to form new ideas about the characteristics of human capital in the whole society and the professional environment of employers.