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The different variables that affect older males' and females' intentions to continue working
Author(s) -
Shacklock Kate,
Brunetto Yvonne,
Nelson Silvia
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
asia pacific journal of human resources
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.825
H-Index - 33
eISSN - 1744-7941
pISSN - 1038-4111
DOI - 10.1177/1038411108099291
Subject(s) - affect (linguistics) , autonomy , attrition , work (physics) , psychology , flexibility (engineering) , sample (material) , demographic economics , social psychology , political science , medicine , management , economics , mechanical engineering , chemistry , communication , dentistry , chromatography , law , engineering
This paper examined the impact of certain work‐related variables on older workers' intentions to continue paid work and whether the impact of these work‐related variables varies between men and women. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of a sample of 379 employees, aged 50 years and older, working in a large public sector organisation in Australia. Results identified the work‐related variables that influence older workers' intentions to continue paid work as importance of work, flexibility and interests outside of work, irrespective of gender. Results also indicated that a greater understanding can result if differences between males' and females' intentions are examined. The findings suggest a significant level of differentiation, based on gender, in relation to autonomy, work environment and interests outside work. Management will need to consider these important work‐related variables in addressing attrition and turnover challenges and formulating human resource forecasts and specific strategies for increasing the retention of older workers.