Person–environment misfit

Misfit occurs when an employee’s characteristics are incompatible with those of their work environment. The term “misfit” conveys a sense of a mismatch, of being out of place or different in an unsettling way, and studies indicate that such a mismatch has deleterious effects on individuals who experience misfit. However, misfit is a complex phenomenon, and emerging evidence indicates that misfit may not simply represent the absence of person-environment fit. Research also reveals that misfit can take various forms. For example, misfit may represent a situation of deficiency or excess, or manifest as a social, ideological or functional mismatch. Misfit can also be an episodic or chronic condition, highlighting its multifaceted character. Despite these insights, research on misfit is still in its infancy. Further scholarly exploration of its different temporal manifestations, how individuals respond to misfit, and its positive dimensions are needed to provide a broader view of the construct.