Inter and Intra-Personal Antecedents of Age Diversity and Its Impact on Explorative and Exploitative Innovation: A Systematic Literature Review

This study conducts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to address gaps in knowledge and propose potential areas for additional research on age diversity and innovation. A systematic review methodology was applied, examining 66 specifically chosen papers on the topic of age diversity and performed numerous rounds of searching and analyzing various search engine alternatives to guarantee the reliability of the retrieved content. The literature had to fulfil specified requirements, which included being written in English and directly addressing the study topics outlined in the literature review. The study identified the predominant theoretical frameworks in the literature commonly acknowledged when examining age diversity and both explorative and exploitative innovation. Additionally, it emphasized the crucial factors that contribute to age diversity inside organizations. The study uncovered a lack of comprehensive knowledge on the influence of age diversity on team performance and innovation, the significance of organizational culture in fostering age diversity, and the interaction between age and other diversity characteristics. Furthermore, there was a lack of comprehension regarding the significance of leadership, technology, and information sharing in the context of age diversity. The results of this study have implications for managers and decision-makers. The study’s conceptual framework can assist managers in comprehending the function of age diversity in promoting both explorative and exploitative behaviors inside the innovation process. Additionally, it provides valuable perspectives on how to enhance age diversity and inclusion in the workplace by leveraging technology and implementing effective leadership strategies.