Some thoughts on the decline of pension schemes

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a review which brings together the existing literature on the reasons for the decline in pension schemes. Design/methodology/approach – Adopting a positivist stance, where the reality of man as an adaptor, in a study of systems, processes and change is observed, the authors undertake a review of the existing literature on pensions and pension accounting. Findings – What is absent from the existing literature is a review of the extent to which both a variety and a combination of factors affect companies' decisions to close their defined benefit pension scheme. Originality/value – The paper provides an holistic overview of the diverse range of literature that addresses the decline in pension schemes

Governance and Stakeholder Involvement in the Dutch Pension Industry, Lessons for Developing Countries

“…Many members and staff of the unions persist in maintaining the current retirement age. Furthermore, a transfer of risks (Smith and MacLaren, ; Tretiakova and Yamada, ) from sponsor to participants – as is the case when a DB system is closed in favour of a DC system – may be difficult to accept. Second, social partners may take important positions in the governance of pension funds.…”