Title: Understanding experts' attitudes towards functional flexibility

Authors: Karen van Dam

Addresses: Work and Organisational Psychology, Tilburg University, PO Box 90153, 5000 Le Tilburg, The Netherlands

Abstract: This study examined experts| motivation for functional flexibility and their willingness to participate in functional flexibility interventions if necessary for the organisation. One hundred and sixty experts in the field of electronics and physics completed a questionnaire. The results showed that the experts were generally positive toward flexibility development, and that both individual characteristics (i.e., field commitment, career anchors, tenure), and work-related characteristics (i.e., career support, work-overload) predicted functional flexibility attitudes. The findings indicate that organisations may be able to stimulate experts| functional flexibility by paying attention to individual career aspirations, and by creating thus a better fit between individuals| objectives and the organisation|s flexibility needs.

Keywords: functional flexibility; job mobility; experts; careers; career anchors; career support.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHRDM.2003.002416

International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management, 2003 Vol.3 No.2, pp.138-153

Published online: 17 Jul 2003 *

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