The convergent and discriminant validity of subjective fit perceptions

J Appl Psychol. 2002 Oct;87(5):875-84. doi: 10.1037/0021-9010.87.5.875.

Abstract

This study examined whether employees develop perceptions about 3 different types of fit: person-organization fit, needs-supplies fit, and demands-abilities fit. Confirmatory factor analyses of data from 2 different samples strongly suggested that employees differentiate between these 3 types of fit. Furthermore, results from a longitudinal design of 187 managers supported both the convergent and discriminant validity of the different types of fit perceptions. Specifically, person-organization fit perceptions were related to organization-focused outcomes (e.g., organizational identification, citizenship behaviors, turnover decisions), whereas needs-supplies fit perceptions were related to job- and career-focused outcomes (e.g., job satisfaction, career satisfaction, occupational commitment). Although demands-abilities fit perceptions emerged as a distinct construct, they were not related to hypothesized outcomes (e.g., job performance, raises).

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Discriminant Analysis
  • Employee Performance Appraisal*
  • Humans
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Organizational Culture*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Social Perception*
  • Social Support