The Effect of Core Self-Evaluation on the Process of Gradual Retirement Among Middle-Aged and Older Workers

Shih-Nien Lee; Ton-Chu Chang; Shu-Huei Lin

doi:10.2478/zireb-2026-0005

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The Effect of Core Self-Evaluation on the Process of Gradual Retirement Among Middle-Aged and Older Workers

Zagreb International Review of Economics and Business

Volume 29 (2026): Issue 1 (May 2026)

By: Shih-Nien Lee, Ton-Chu Chang and Shu-Huei Lin

Open Access

|Jun 2026

Abstract

This research project aims to gain insight into the influence of gradual retirement on the fundamental self-evaluations of middle-aged and older professionals who intend to remain in their current roles while planning their careers. We put forth a model for investigation and testing, which seeks to identify the mediators and moderators associated with subjective career success and job meaning in middle-aged and older laborers. The findings indicate that core self-assessment and the meaning of one’s job have a positive impact on subjective career success. Furthermore, subjective career success mediates the relationship between core self-assessment and gradual retirement. The results of this study have the potential to assist organizations in adapting job content to align with actual needs, promoting more flexible manpower utilization strategies, and utilizing suitable career content to enhance the gradual retirement intentions of middle-aged and older individuals.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/zireb-2026-0005 | Journal eISSN: 1849-1162 | Journal ISSN: 1331-5609

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Language: English

Page range: 91 - 114

Published on: Jun 6, 2026

Published by: University of Zagreb, Faculty of Economics & Business

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Keywords:

Core self-evaluation,

subjective career success,

gradual retirement,

job meaning

Related subjects:

Business and economics,

Political economics,

Macroeconomics,

Public finance and fiscal theory,

Business management,

Marketing, sales, customer relations,

Management, organization, corporate governance

© 2026 Shih-Nien Lee, Ton-Chu Chang, Shu-Huei Lin, published by University of Zagreb, Faculty of Economics & Business
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Volume 29 (2026): Issue 1 (May 2026)