DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A LIFELONG LEARNING CHARACTERISTICS SCALE FOR PERSONNEL IN PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS

Abstract

This research aims to develop and assess the quality of a lifelong learning characteristics assessment tool for public sector personnel in public organizations. The study is a quantitative cross - sectional study comprising two main steps: 1) The development of the assessment tool and 2) The quality verification of the tool. The sample group consists of public sector personnel in organizations established under the Public Organization Act of 1999 and its amendments, totaling 36 organizations, as well as those established under specific acts totaling 24 organizations, with a total of 13,416 individuals. In - depth interviews were conducted with 8 experts, and content analysis was used to create preliminary questions before the tool was used to collect actual data from a sample of 414 individuals. The data was then analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The research findings indicate that the assessment tool for lifelong learning characteristics for public sector personnel is a 6 - level Likert scale tool consisting of 6 components: 1) Learning Ability, 2) Inquisitiveness, 3) Self-directed learning ability, 4) Collaborative learning ability, 5) Readiness to embrace change, and 6) Creativity, comprising a total of 23 items. The tool demonstrated excellent reliability and structural validity, as well as convergent and discriminant validity. These findings reflect that the developed assessment tool for lifelong learning characteristics can be effectively used as an instrument to evaluate lifelong learning traits in the context of public sector organizations. Additionally, it can support policy development and the systematic creation of learning communities within government agencies.