Dissertation Abstract

Factors that influence the intended retirement age of radiography faculty

A recent review of literature indicates that there is conflicting evidence regarding the intended age of faculty retirement. Often, the retirement decision is complicated by a number of influencing factors. The present investigation was designed to determine those characteristics that influence the intended retirement age of radiography faculty. Additionally, this study was designed to gather and analyze selected descriptive data and develop a profile of the typical, current radiography faculty member, and to determine their intended age of retirement.

This study sought to examine the extent to which selected personal, financial, professional, institutional, and job satisfaction characteristics influence the intended retirement age. Although research has thoroughly addressed the retirement decision-influencing trio of age, health, and wealth, there has yet to be sufficient examination of the retirement decision for radiography faculty.

An electronic survey instrument was designed using the National Study of Postsecondary Faculty as a guide. A sample of 148 full-time radiography faculty members was garnered through email address solicitation to radiography program directors of accredited programs in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. A 64% response rate was achieved with 95 faculty members responding.

Multiple regression analysis was used to assess whether selected personal, financial, professional, institutional, and job satisfaction characteristics have any effect on intended age of retirement for radiography faculty with the five-state region. The results indicate that only personal characteristics significantly influence the intended retirement age and that the median intended retirement age is 62 years.

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