A systematic literature review of the socio-economic determinants of retirement planning among university lecturers: Implications for Zimbabwe

This study systematically reviews the literature on the socio-economic determinants of retirement planning among university lecturers and academic staff. Although retirement preparedness has become increasingly important amid demographic change, pension uncertainty, and economic volatility, evidence on the factors influencing retirement planning in higher education remains fragmented. The review synthesizes existing evidence and identifies the key determinants shaping retirement-planning behavior among academics. A systematic literature review guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework was conducted using Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Following the application of predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 empirical studies were retained and analyzed through thematic synthesis. The review identified four broad categories of determinants influencing retirement planning among university lecturers and academic staff: financial, psychological, demographic, and institutional factors. Financial literacy emerged as the most influential determinant, while psychological attributes, demographic characteristics, and institutional support also shaped retirement preparedness. The findings highlight the multidimensional nature of retirement planning and the importance of individual, institutional, psychological, and demographic factors in shaping it. Higher education institutions should strengthen retirement-preparedness initiatives through financial education, retirement-planning programs, and enhanced pension awareness. The review provides an integrated framework for understanding retirement planning among academics and highlights priorities for future research and policy development, particularly in developing-country contexts.