Abstract:
The academic staff in the university is a vital
component in enhancement of academic affairs in any university.
Due to the unending changes and dynamics that increase
pressure and work related stress that academic staffs are
subjected to, they are required to develop high levels of
adaptability in their careers to enhance creativity so that they
remain relevant. The study sought to establish the correlates of
career adaptability among the academic staff in selected
universities in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study had several
findings: There were high score in the four factors of
adaptability including concern, curiosity, control and confidence.
The highest score was recorded in concern (Mean= 4.24 and
standard deviation 0.60) this was followed by control (Mean =
4.25 ± .58). Confidence amongst academic staff was slightly low
(Mean = 4.12 ± .57). However the lowest was curiosity (Mean =
4.12 ± .61). Generally, the academic staff were adaptable to their
work. The research also found out that career adaptability
reduced with increase in age. However, it generally increased
with the level of education and years of experience. The female
gender scored higher than male in most of the constructs of
adaptability. There were very slight differences in mean scores in
career adaptability based on the type of university. However, a
higher level of adaptability was noted in academic staff in private
university compared to their counterparts in public university.
The study therefore recommended that employers look out for
levels of concern, curiosity, confidence and control of employees
during recruitment so as to get adaptable employees. Self -
awareness for employees is necessary to help determine their
levels of adaptability. Employers too must prompt acquisition of
soft skills in the employees in order to help their employees be
more adaptable and hence perform better in their duties.
