Why is the PO fit-turnover intentions relationship so small? : personality facets as potential moderators

Type of content
Theses / Dissertations
Publisher's DOI/URI
Thesis discipline
Psychology
Degree name
Master of Science
Publisher
University of Canterbury
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Language
English
Date
2008
Authors
Muirhead, Kaleena
Abstract

This research focuses on the supposition that personality variables may act as moderators of the relationship between Person-Organisation Fit (PO fit) and attitudinal criterion variables. Most current organisational research considers the PO fit concept to be applicable across all organisational members. For example, Chatman (1991), who studied PO fit in terms of the match between organisational and personal values, believes that organisational socialisation processes uniformly improve one's fit and subsequently yield better organisational outcomes. Yet, individual difference research tells us that people vary in their willingness to change their attitudes, as well as, perhaps their sensitivity to PO misfit altogether (Schneider, 2001). Our study investigated personality traits as potential individual difference moderator variables of the PO fit-turnover intentions relationship. Personality facets measured were cooperativeness (consisting of compliance and pleasantness sub-scales), anxiety and sociability. Study outcomes were job satisfaction, organisational commitment and turnover intentions. PO fit scores were created by correlating the constructed Organisational Value Profile with each employee's Individual Value Profile. Using survey design, questionnaires were administered to 111 employees from a large organisation in the New Zealand aviation industry. Results showed that anxiety significantly moderates the relationship of PO fit predicting turnover intentions. Implications of findings are discussed.

Description
Citation
Keywords
Personality, Organizational behavior, Employees--Attitudes, Work--Psychological aspects, Job satisfaction, Corporate culture
Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
Rights
All Rights Reserved