Adapt or Perish: A Review of Behavioral Adaptation in Management Research

Abstract: Adaptation is a critical factor influencing performance across various domains, including negotiations (Ployhart & Bliese, 2006; Pulakos et al., 2000; Putnam & Powers, 2015). As work environments grow increasingly complex, individuals must demonstrate interpersonal flexibility and adapt in diverse contexts to succeed (Jundt et al., 2015). This literature review explores drivers of adaptation and suggests future research directions. We propose two triggers of adaptation, interpersonal and situational. We organize the evidence around these two clusters and identify predictors and inhibitors of adaptation as well as boundary conditions and process variables. Consequences of adaptive behavior include positive effects on performance, satisfaction, and customer orientation. Negotiation research highlights the importance of adaptability in managing dynamic interactions, but further exploration is needed to understand its potential risks and limitations.

Keywords: Behavioral Adaptability, Situational Adaptability, Interpersonal Adaptability, Review