Exploring the concept of learning agility : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Studies in Human Resource Management at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
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Date
2018
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Open Access Location
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Massey University
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Abstract
Continuous learning and employee adaptation have become increasingly important within modern
organisational environments categorised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. In turn, this has
resulted in a growing body of literature supporting a construct known as learning agility.
This study sought to determine the underlying psychological variables that support individual learning agility. In
doing so, cognitive ability, personality, and emotional intelligence assessments distributed by OPRA Psychology
Group were administered to a random sample of Scenic Hotel Group employees to obtain quantifiable data.
Alongside this, a validated learning agility questionnaire was administered to participants and their managers to
obtain a measure of each employee’s learning agility. Participants’ learning agility scores were then correlated
with their personality, cognitive ability, and emotional intelligence assessment results.
Results of this study indicate that learning agility is significantly positively correlated with overall cognitive
ability. Furthermore, learning agility shows a significantly positive relationship with personality factors
associated with openness to experience, extraversion, and the neuroticism sub-trait, tense-driven. As an
outcome, this has provided for a tentative model of learning agility comprising of:
1. Cognitive ability
2. Learning mindset and behaviour
3. Contribution to the social learning environment
This research adds to the current body of literature available into a construct known as a key determinant of
employee performance and potential (Eichinger & Lombardo, 2000; McCauley, 2001). Furthermore, it provides
the foundations for the development of a derived measure of learning agility that can be determined using
existing psychometric assessments.
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Keywords
Employees, Psychological testing, Prediction of occupational success, Learning, Psychometrics