A systematic analyzing and ranking of factors influencing teachers' early retirement intentions using Fuzzy Delphi Method

Education is key to Malaysia's nation-building, with the Ministry of Education stressing strong leadership as per the Malaysian Education Development Plan 2013-2025. However, early retirement among school leaders highlights the need for better financial literacy and retirement planning to address issues and push policy changes. This study uses the Fuzzy Delphi Method to rank factors affecting early retirement intentions among 25 teachers aged 35-55 with at least 10 years of experience at SMK Parit Panjang, aiming to improve teacher retention and educational stability. It examines job stress, health issues, financial factors, demographic factors, and workload challenges with a standardized questionnaire. Data were turned into triangular fuzzy numbers (TFN) and analyzed using defuzzification and threshold techniques. Results, with defuzzified values from 0.483 to 0.656 and consensus levels of 80-100%, showed health concerns, job stress, financial factors, and workload as key factors, while demographic factors (0.448, 68% consensus) were dropped below the 75% threshold. Health issues ranked highest, followed by job stress, financial factors, and workload challenges. This study offers a framework for policymakers to create solutions for a sustainable education system.