Which of the following is an example of a work stereotype in social psychology?

• A. Believing that all employees prefer flexible work hours
• B. Assuming that older workers are always more experienced than younger workers
• C. Thinking that everyone enjoys team-building activities
• D. Assuming that women are less competent in leadership roles than men

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of a work stereotype in social psychology: it is a generalized belief or assumption about a group of people in the workplace based on characteristics such as gender, age, or role, often without considering individual differences.
2. Review each option to identify if it reflects a generalized belief about a group in the workplace that may not be accurate or fair.
3. Analyze the first option: 'Believing that all employees prefer flexible work hours' – this is a broad assumption about employees' preferences but not necessarily about their abilities or roles.
4. Analyze the second option: 'Assuming that older workers are always more experienced than younger workers' – this is a stereotype based on age, implying a generalized belief about experience linked to age.
5. Analyze the third option: 'Thinking that everyone enjoys team-building activities' – this is a generalization about preferences, not about abilities or roles, so it is less of a stereotype about work competence or roles.