American Psychologist · 1996 · 568 citations · 29 references
Job DesignEducationHuman Resource ManagementOrganizational BehaviorCareer InterventionManagementCareer AdaptabilityCareer ConcernJob SatisfactionCareer DevelopmentWork SatisfactionPerformance StudiesNew DirectionsWorkforce DevelopmentPersonality TypeSociologyBusinessOrganizational CareerWork EnvironmentScience And Technology StudiesProfessional DevelopmentCareer EducationOccupational Science
Holland’s 1985 typology links personality types to work environments and explains career stability and job satisfaction. The study speculates on applying Holland’s typology to future careers amid a changing economy. Recent research extends Holland’s typology by integrating the Big Five personality factors to enhance its explanatory power. When personality and environment align, individuals thrive, whereas mismatches cause dissatisfaction, unstable careers, and lower performance, as shown by studies linking Holland’s typology to the Big Five.
Holland's (1985a) typology of persons and environments is outlined, and support for the theory as an explanation of stability and change in careers and work satisfaction is summarized. Studies show that people flourish in their work environment when there is a good fit between their personality type and the characteristics of the environment. Lack of congruence between personality and environment leads to dissatisfaction, unstable career paths, and lowered performance. The results of recent research designed to strengthen the explanatory power of Holland's typology and link it to the Big Five personality factors is described. Speculations about the application of the theory to future careers in a changing economy are offered.
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