Agency and Autonomy of Older Workers during Career Development in the Federal Public Sector
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5007/2175-8077.2026.e108837Keywords:
Aging, Career adaptability, Career construction theory, Public AdministrationAbstract
Objective: To understand the influence of the aging process on the career adaptability of older civil servants at a Brazilian Public Higher Education Institution. Career adaptability has four dimensions: concern, control, curiosity, and confidence. The adaptive performance cycle is comprised of five career stages: orientation, exploration, establishment, management, and disengagement.
Methodology: To conduct this qualitative research, 16 education technical-administrative staff aged 45 or older were interviewed. Thematic narrative and biographical analysis was used for data analysis.
Originality/Relevance: From the perspective of Career Construction Theory, this research articulates the dimensions of career adaptability and the adaptive performance cycle based on the experiences of aging-related gains and losses and reflections on older workers' careers.
Main findings: Control is the central dimension of career adaptability, primarily due to the agency and autonomy of respondents due to their tenure in public office and the fact that most respondents are in the career management stage.
Theoretical contributions: The study proposes an explanatory model for respondents' career adaptability. The analyses suggest that context, the aging process, and career stage influence the dimension of career adaptability that will be central at a given point in a career.
Contributions for management: The research highlights the need for organizational policies and practices that value diversity, professional training and qualifications, and retirement preparation.
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