Article 2025

Building Public Servant Adaptability: How Self-Directedness Moderates Transformative Learning Experiences

VM
Viterouli, Mary
 BD
Belias, Dimitrios
 KA
Koustelios, Athanasios D.
 TN
Tsigilis, Nikolaos
International Journal of Public Administration
Journal
Abstract

This study examines the relationship between transformative experiences and adaptive performance within the Greek Public Employment Services (PES), with a focus on the moderating role of self-directed learning (SDL). Analyzing data from 620 public servants, results reveal that SDL significantly enhances the positive impact of transformative experiences on adaptive performance, particularly in creativity and interpersonal adaptability. However, the effects on reactivity in emergencies and training efforts were less pronounced. These findings support that fostering SDL in work-related learning can improve individual and organizational adaptability, offering actionable insights for stakeholders to develop initiatives that enhance service delivery and organizational efficiency. © 2025 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Keywords

Author Keywords

self-directed learning Adaptive Performance public employment services transformative outcomes

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
Department of Business Administration, University of Thessaly, Volos, Thessaly, Greece
Department of Journalism and Mass Media Communication, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece
Funding & Acknowledgements
No funding information
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