Personal Style and Person-Environment Fit: A Pattern Approach

Abstract

The present study considered the influence of personal style, and the fit between personal style and environmental constraints and opportunities, on job performance, job withdrawal, and job satisfaction. Personal style was defined as an individual′s pattern across seven job-relevant personality variables. One of eight characteristic patterns, derived through cluster analysis, described the personal style of each of 367 Navy enlisted personnel. Environmental constraints and opportunities were defined as a workgroup′s pattern across nine measures. One of five characteristic patterns, derived through clustering, described the psychological environment within each of 114 workgroups. Multiple discriminant analyses demonstrated that personal style predicted differential job outcomes - job performance, job satisfaction, and job withdrawal - both across the organization and within particular environments. Discussion focused on the role of patterns in enhancing the understanding of person-environment fit. It was concluded that a pattern strategy might prove useful in improving the long-term validity of vocational counseling and in assisting organizations to place individuals in environments that maximize their satisfaction and productivity.