Does fitting a job always matter? The role of learning goal orientation

Abstract

Person-Environment (PE) fit has been constantly associated with positive organizational outcomes. However, further knowledge about its boundary conditions is direly needed. In this paper we examine the moderating effect of learning goal orientation (LGO) on the link between demands-abilities Person- Job (PJ) fit its proximal and distal consequences such as job satisfaction, OCB, and task performance. We contend that for individuals with a high level of LGO, demands-abilities PJ fit matters less in predicting their job satisfaction, which in turn reduces the indirect effect of PJ fit on distal outcomes (i.e., OCB and task performance). Using data collected from 119 pair of managers and their supervisors, our results largely supported our moderated mediation model, which show that the indirect effect of demands-abilities PJ fit on OCB and task performance is significant only when LGO is low. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications for managers and HR practices.