Person–environment fit at work: Relationships with workplace behaviours

Abstract

The fit between the values of an individual and the work environment (person–organisation fit) is related to organisational citizenship behaviours and counterproductive work behaviours. Research has found that job satisfaction is a predictor of organisational citizenship behaviours and counterproductive work behaviours. Meanwhile, person–organisation fit is highly predictive of job satisfaction; thus, it is unclear if person–organisation fit relates to the use of organisational citizenship behaviours and counterproductive work behaviours beyond its shared relationship with job satisfaction. This study aimed to determine the extent to which person–organisation fit relates to the use of these behaviours outside of relations with job satisfaction. Results from an online sample of 392 employed adults found worker person–organisation fit was related directly to engaging in organisational citizenship behaviours and indirectly through increased job satisfaction. However, engagement in fewer counterproductive work behaviours occurred only as a function of being dissatisfied with one’s job. Implications about the importance of fit are discussed.