Unpacking Personal Adaptability at Work

Adaptability is a key competency for career success. In this article, the authors examine how individual adaptability is associated with the accrual of human capital, the organization of the work environment, and the characteristics of individuals. They find that a number of factors are particularly strongly related to personal adaptability: gender, employability, education, and management support. By understanding the variety of factors that are intrinsic to individuals, those that can be developed within individuals, and work environment design, it seems possible to foster the development of personal adaptability in the workplace.