Theory of Work Adjustment

The theory of work adjustment (TWA) is an individual differences theory that describes how, and explains why, workers adjust to their work environments. TWA views work adjustment as a special case of the interaction of a person (P) with an environment (E)—in this case, the work environment. Interaction refers to P and E “acting on” as well as “reacting to” each other. P and E interact because, to begin with, each has requirements that the other can fill, and each has capabilities to fill the other’s requirements. As long as each party is satisfied with the outcome, the interaction will be maintained. But when one or both parties get dissatisfied with the outcome, adjustment will be attempted. That is, TWA is based on the psychological ...