Innovative Work Behavior in Response to Technology Readiness: The Role of Career Adaptability in the Ghanaian Public Sector

Background: In an era where technological advancements are reshaping the global workforce, understanding the dynamics of technology adoption within the public sector becomes paramount. This study examines how employees in the Ghanaian public sector respond to technology readiness (TR) in terms of their career adaptability (CA) and innovative work behavior (IWB). The uniqueness of this research lies in its empirical investigation of how TR’s motivational and inhibitory dimensions influence CA and, subsequently, IWB, within a context marked by rapid digital transformation. This study is essential due to the key role of Ghana’s public sector employees in national development, especially with ongoing digitization. It fills a research gap by assessing how these employees’ psychological readiness for technology affects their careers and innovation. Method: The study used a cross-sectional survey design and collected data from 484 public sector employees and their supervisors. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypotheses. Results: Findings reveal that optimism, insecurity, and discomfort — components of TR — exert a significant influence on CA, which in turn fosters IWB. Interestingly, innovativeness did not predict CA, suggesting a nuanced interplay between TR dimensions and adaptability. Implications: By elucidating the factors that drive CA and IWB in response to TR, this study offers valuable insights for policymakers and organizational leaders seeking to enhance employee adaptability and innovation amidst technological changes. It underscores the importance of nurturing an optimistic and secure technological environment to cultivate a resilient and forward-thinking public sector workforce. Originality/Value: This study pioneers the exploration of TR’s impact on CA and IWB, utilizing the career construction model of adaptation as a theoretical lens. The findings provide actionable strategies for bolstering the public sector’s technological and innovative capacity, informed by the empirical evidence from the surveyed sample.