Just Interested or Getting Involved? An Analysis of Superannuation Attitudes and Actions

Abstract

Low levels of non-default decision making among superannuation members in Australia are assumed to be evidence of lack of interest and capability. Using member records and survey data from a large Australian superannuation fund we test the relationship between attitudes towards retirement savings and observable levels of non-default activities (such as making voluntary contributions, choosing or changing investment options and changing insurance cover). Additional retirement savings contributions by permanent staff are more likely if the staff member is very likely to recommend their superannuation fund. Individuals who rate their own personal interest in superannuation affairs as very high are more likely to be active online. This, however, doesn't extend to choosing a non-default investment or purchasing additional insurance, where we find no differences between the highly interested and the disengaged. These findings, together with several other differences related to demographics and employment conditions, show that non-default activity is not a reliable proxy for member engagement.

Keywords: active decisions, defaults, defined benefit, defined contributions, pensions

JEL Classification: G02, G28, D14