A Reflection on the Characteristics of Teachers with Career Plateau: a Systematic Review

Aim: The current study aimed to determine the characteristics of teachers with career plateau. Method: This study used a qualitative research design and a systematic review approach. Several components of career plateauing have been identified by reviewing the scientific documents and resources in the field of teachers' career plateau. A total of 26 sources were selected and analyzed. Inductive content analysis at three coding phases (i.e., open, axial, selective) was used to analyze the scientific data resources. Results: The current study identified 15 components about the career Plateau characteristics of the teachers, including 1- Reluctance and low work motivation; 2- Negative attitude towards job and job-organizational conditions; 3- Weakness of mental-physical health; 4- Low job satisfaction; 5- Lack of attention to career development; 6- Decreased performance; 7- Lack of creativity and diversity at work; 8- Passive presence in the workplace; 9- Irregular attendance in the workplace; 10- Creating a negative work environment and encouraging disruptive organizational behaviors; 11- Difficulty in adjusting to work environment; 12- Conscious laziness; 13- Intention to leave the job; 14- Low sense of loyalty and commitment to the job and organization; and 15- Poor communication with students. Conclusion: The identified components and indices represent the negative effect of the career plateau on the mental-physical and functional dimensions of the teachers.