Table 1

Important definitions of the components of person–organisation and person–group fit

TermDefinitionAssociated key terms
Supplementary/similarity fitCompatibility in which the individual and the environment are congruent (eg, similar values, personality or goals)15 21 Fit, congruence, similarity fit, compatibility
Complementary fitFit in which the individual or organisation fills a gap in, adds something unique to or ’makes whole' the other21 22 33 Uniqueness
Needs–supplies fitA feeling of fit in which the needs, inclinations or requirements of the person are fulfilled by the work environment15 88 Supplies–values fit*
Demands–abilities fitFit in which the individual has the capabilities and capacity to meet the demands of the environment.15 Not applicable
  • *For simplicity, this term will not be used in this review to describe needs–supplies fit. 

  • Adapted from Kristof15, Piasentin et al 21;  Santos22; Piasentin33; Yu88.