Person–environment fit

This entry reviews and synthesizes what is known about person-environment (PE) fit. The PE fit model represents a well-established framework for industrial psychology and management research by focusing on the compatibility between individuals and their work environment. Different conceptualizations of PE fit exist and fit can be established at different hierarchical levels (e.g., job, group, organization). Various forms of fit, such as person-job fit and person-organization fit, have undergone extensive research and have been shown to significantly impact outcomes that are important for both individuals and organizations. Moreover, selection, socialization, and work adjustment represent three key matching processes that are instrumental in establishing and maintaining PE fit over time. Yet in spite of all of the accumulated knowledge on PE fit over the past decades, areas of ambiguity and controversy continue to exist. Among these, the temporal nature of PE fit, alternative conceptualizations of fit, and an exploration of its dark side effects represent three of the most exciting new avenues for future research.