Many companies are moving away from pensions and giving larger percentages towards employee selected 401k plans. This move, in addition to lightening the burden of pension obligations on a company, also removes much of the risks involved with managing such funds. This new approach by mid-size and large companies could be directly related to the fallout from debacles like Enron. Even though many companies are moving away from pensions and defined benefit plans is there something about them that is preferable that causes higher rates of participation?