Person-Organization Fit Effects on Organizational Attraction: Insights from a Signal-Based Framework

Abstract

This study investigates the mechanisms that explain why person-organization (PO) fit impacts organizational attraction. An integrative model is developed based on a signaling theory framework, which argues that experiencing value congruence during the recruitment process creates certain expectations about future work environments and employer relationships. These expectations in turn have a positive impact on organizational attraction. Evidence from a longitudinal study on a sample of job seekers suggests that expected need fulfillment and future opportunities for value expression offered the most viable explanations of value congruence effects. Findings point toward a need for further theory development and testing to improve current understanding of job seeker PO fit experience, where ideas from signaling and social identity theories may be promising sources for further integration.