An identification and analysis of key attributes of the change-adaptive personality

Abstract

Change is occurring at a rate never imagined possible in times past. Individuals are being forced personally and professionally to deal with the change, or in other words, to become change-adaptive. Organizations require people who can thrive on change to move the business forward. Pervasive, continuing resistance is no longer acceptable if a company hopes to succeed in today's fiercely competitive marketplace. Thus, this study attempted to combine several different areas of study and empirically identify key attributes involved in the construct of change-adaptability. In addition, two different treatments ("change-awareness" handbooks and training) were utilized to determine if one's level of change-adaptability could be raised. Subjects were 88 employees from a Fortune 100 company. All participants received a pre-test containing five assessments (16PF, Ways of Coping Checklist, Personal Views Survey II, Life Orientation Test, and a participant questionnaire). An intervention then occurred followed by a post-test. Results indicated that optimism and positive reappraisal, and flexibility accounted for approximately 34% of the variance of change-adaptability. Neither gender nor age was related to the construct of change-adaptability. No change, regardless of treatment was seen in supervisor ratings or one's overall level of change-adaptability. However, significant changes did occur with regard to the participant questionnaire that tested specific goals of the training program.