A dynamic capability view of career adaptation: an exploratory study
ISSN: 0040-0912
Article publication date: 14 September 2023
Issue publication date: 13 October 2023
Abstract
Purpose
Disruptive forces, such as the global pandemic and technological innovation, are leading to growing labor uncertainty. For organizations, being able to adapt is a key skill for employees, while adapting to different employment contexts is increasingly essential for career success. This study leverages career adaptability theory and integrated dynamic capabilities to isolate skills enabling career adaptation.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative study was conducted to develop a skills codebook using a Delphi technique to converge on career adaptation skills, which was validated against leading meta-skills frameworks and a purposeful sample of 15 occupational competency models.
Findings
The codebook phase identified 24 distinct meta-skills in 6 clusters: problem-solving, self-reliance, collaboration, communication, core literacies and core workplace skills. Findings confirmed that most of the skills identified by the experts were also present across the meta-skills frameworks.
Research limitations/implications
This study highlights research opportunities, including a recommendation to extend the codebook by conducting a large sample empirical study of occupational competency models.
Practical implications
Adaptive individuals remain attractive in the job market. With the proposed framework, individuals can systematically reflect on ways to develop career adaptation skills. Other stakeholders should support the development of skills that facilitate an individual's capacity to adapt to diverse employment contexts.
Originality/value
This study contributes to resolving the debate on skills contributing to career adaptation by combining the career adaptability theory and integrated dynamic capabilities, to produce a harmonized meta-skills codebook including labels, definitions and synonyms. This study validates the codebook against leading skills frameworks and occupational competency models.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Since acceptance of this article, the following authors have updated their affiliations: Nadège Levallet is at the Maine Business School, University of Maine, Orone, ME, USA and Jason Ribeiro at the University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
Citation
Finch, D.J., Levallet, N., Saunders, C., Field, E., Ribeiro, J., Raby, S., Roberts, M., Uzoka, F.-M. and Campbell, A. (2023), "A dynamic capability view of career adaptation: an exploratory study", Education + Training, Vol. 65 No. 5, pp. 769-789. https://doi.org/10.1108/ET-06-2021-0235
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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