Person–Vocation Fit

The idea that sparked person–vocation (PV) fit came from Frank Parsons, one of the earliest figures in vocational psychology, who believed that people need a clear understanding of themselves and the environment in which they work to be happy in their jobs and careers. PV fit is the relationship between individuals and their vocations or occupations. The PV literature generally has reported positive correlations between PV congruence and individual measures of well-being such as job and career satisfaction, stability, and personal achievement. In addition to having an effect on individual well-being, PV fit (or lack thereof) can have an impact on organizational commitment.

[Page 1205]A number of theories either directly or indirectly have relevance for understanding PV fit. Some of the more prominent theories are detailed ...