Researchers have proposed and investigated a variety of concepts similar to adaptability. In recent years, greater attention has been given to viewing adaptability as a trait-based construct relevant to the work context. The purpose of the present study is to propose and test a model of individual adaptability. In the present model, the antecedents of cognitive ability, Conscientiousness, Openness to Experience, and Emotional Stability influence cultural, work stress, interpersonal, learning, and uncertainty dimensions of adaptability. These relationships are moderated by experiences individuals encounter that aid in the development of adaptability. The adaptability dimensions subsequently influence the outcomes of task and contextual performance, emotional adjustment, and efficacy to adapt. These adaptability-outcome relationships are moderated by the changes one encounters in an unfamiliar context. This model is tested in a sample of new undergraduates. Results support the effects of the antecedents on adaptability and of adaptability on the outcomes. The proposed moderators are not supported, but supplemental analyses reveal that experiences predict adaptability incrementally over the antecedents and that changes incrementally predict the outcomes over adaptability. Additionally, adaptability was relatively stable across the two time points of measurement in the study. The results support the viability of the conceptualization of adaptability as a trait-like construct. Theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.
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