Mental Models about Retiring Workers Empowerment by Using Q Methodology

The purpose of this study is to identify the mentality of electricity industry employees about empowering retiring workers. This research is an applied one in terms of purpose and a descriptive one in terms of method and a mixed one (qualitative-quantitative) in terms of data collection and analysis. A total of 24 participants were selected among the employees of the electricity industry using the concept sampling method. Structured interview tools and Q table were used to collect data. In the qualitative section, by conducting structured interviews with participants, different views were extracted on the empowerment of retiring employees. Then, in the quantitative part, by completing the Q tables using factor analysis, the mental understanding of the individuals in each group was identified, analyzed and examined. The results of this study indicate the existence of six distinct mental models toward retiring employees, including "Fans of psychological solutions", "Believers in paving the way for empowerment", "Optimistic about capabilities and abilities ", "Supporters of removing individual and social barriers", "Critics of organizational and governmental barriers" and "Advocates of creating opportunities", and each mindset has different concepts and characteristics.