Dissertation
The role of resilience during extreme career uncertainty: a phenomenological study of the federal government workforce
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
Jul 2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011561
Abstract
This study examined how U.S. federal employees sustained their resilience and commitment amid significant organizational disruptions and career uncertainty following administrative changes in January 2025. Using interviews with 12 civil servants, the researcher identified five key themes: strong self-perceived resilience; complex emotional responses, including moral anger and grief; determination to remain in public service; the importance of supportive supervisors and colleagues; and intensified public service motivation in adversity. The findings show that resilience, moral anger, and posttraumatic growth enabled adaptation and continued engagement, with interpersonal support mitigating stress. Contrary to prior literature, extreme uncertainty enhanced, not diminished, participants' public service motivation. Future research should focus on lived experiences to inform workforce policy in times of upheaval.
Metrics
1 File views/ downloads
1 Record Views
Details
- Title
- The role of resilience during extreme career uncertainty
- Creators
- NoraZoe Woolridge
- Contributors
- Harriette Rasmussen (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University
- Number of pages
- xiv, 250 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Arts and Sciences; School of Education; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022207846204721