Multilevel Investigation of Adaptive Performance

Abstract

This study investigates adaptability as a performance criterion in organizations. A multilevel approach was used to test predictors of individual-level adaptive performance (AP) and to examine how individual AP contributes to team AP. A multilevel survey found evidence for a multilevel composition pattern whereby AP varies within and between groups. At the individual level, continuous learning activities predicted individual AP. In addition, a cross-level effect was found such that team learning climate had an independent effect on individual AP. However, a hypothesized cross-level moderation effect of team learning climate on the relationship between continuous learning and individual AP was found nonsignificant. At the group level, team learning climate displayed a significant, positive relationship with team AP. A major contribution of this study is a new conceptualization of AP within a framework of multilevel theory. Practical implications to help align human resource management with higher level organizational factors are also discussed.