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Changes in social support for professional development and retirement preparation as a function of age

The New School for Management and Urban Policy in New York, USA, grellerm{at}newschool.edu

Sandra B. Richtermeyer

Xavier University, USA, richtermeyer{at}xavier.edu

Social factors, particularly age norms, are cited as a major influence on retirement and late career decisions; yet research has focused primarily on one feature of norms: shared beliefs. A sample of finance and accounting professionals between the ages of 22 and 70 is used to examine whether support for career development differs as a function of age. The levels of support for professional development, retirement preparation, and personal growth from five sources (family, co-workers, colleagues in other organizations, supervisor, and friends) are examined. Age is not a major factor in the amount of support reported. Support is associated with career-related intentions and beliefs (maintaining professional contacts, hours spent in training, career insight, expected development, and perceived organization support). Family support influences career development. These effects hold regardless of age. The results suggest emphasizing the informational role of social networks rather than the normative role with respect to age.

Key Words: age norms • career development • retirement preparation • social aging • social networks • work life vitality

Human Relations, Vol. 59, No. 9, 1213-1234 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/0018726706069766


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