Individual and career adaptability: Comparing models and measures

• Results validate the individual adaptability scale.
• Second order eight-dimensional structure of individual adaptability was found to be acceptable.
• Profiling of individuals possible along eight dimensions of individual adaptability
• Career and individual adaptability are differentially associated.

Adaptability, or the capacity to adapt, is a key element in coping or succeeding in our dynamic, ever-evolving world and as such is important across everyone's life in both private and professional settings. The present study investigates the individual adaptability scale proposed by Ployhart and Bliese (2006). We examine the theoretically defined eight-dimensional structure of individual adaptability and analyze convergent validity of the concept. Following the aim of validating the scale, correlations between individual adaptability and career adaptability (CAAS-France) are explored at a general as well as at a dimensional level. Results provide not only arguments in favor of an eight-dimensional structure of the concept but also elements of convergent validity.