Contribution
Measurement of person-environment fit and prediction of satisfaction in the theory of work adjustment

https://doi.org/10.1016/0001-8791(87)90045-5Get rights and content

Abstract

The measurement of person-environment (P-E) fit and the relationship of fit and job satisfaction are described, illustrated, and evaluated from the perspective of the Theory of Work Adjustment. The construct of correspondence is explicated in terms of statistical measures and applied to the prediction of job satisfaction. Two studies are reported. Using 19 statistical indices across six occupational groups, study 1 examined the issues of commensurate measurement and representations of the correspondence and satisfaction relationship. Results provided evidence for commensurate structures and directional interpretations of needreinforcer correspondence. Study 2 evaluated the relationship of four correspondence indices and job satisfaction with 225 adult vocational counseling clients in 98 different occupations 1 year after initial contact. The findings indicated that the correspondence and satisfaction relationship was moderated by profile component, type of reinforcer profile, and client's sex. Overall, the results show that the best statistical indices for assessing correspondence seem to be measures of profile shape, which explain 3 to 30% of the variance in satisfaction. Implications for commensurate measurement and for the operational and theoretical development of the concept of correspondence are discussed.

References (40)

  • L.J Cronbach et al.

    Assessing similarity between profiles

    Psychological Bulletin

    (1953)
  • R.V Dawis et al.
  • R.V Dawis et al.

    A theory of work adjustment

    Minnesota Studies in Vocational Rehabilitation

    (1964)
  • R.V Dawis et al.

    Personality style and the process of work adjustment

    Journal of Counseling Psychology

    (1976)
  • R.V Dawis et al.
  • R.V Dawis et al.
  • R.V Dawis et al.

    A theory of work adjustment (a revision)

    Minnesota Studies in Vocational Rehabilitation

    (1968)
  • J.R.P French et al.
  • E.G Gay et al.

    Manual for the Minnesota Importance Questionnaire

    Minnesota Studies in Vocational Rehabilitation

    (1971)
  • J.W Holley et al.

    A note on the G index of agreement

    Educational and Psychological Measurement

    (1964)
  • Cited by (0)

    Preparation of this article was supported in part by a Spencer Fellowship awarded by the National Academy of Education to James Rounds.

    View full text