Change in person-job fit perceptions and job crafting behaviours:understanding their intertwined nature
Year: 2020
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Positive employee attitudes and behaviours arise when employees perceive that they are\ncompatible with their jobs, known as person-job (PJ) fit (Kristof-Brown et al., 2005). Yet,\nto date, relatively few studies have examined the antecedents of PJ fit perceptions and\ntheir dynamic nature (e.g., Bayl-Smith & Griffin, 2018; De Cooman et al., 2019). In\nparticular, little is known about the proactive role that employees may play in the\ndevelopment of these perceptions. Although scholars have proposed that a lack of PJ fit\nmay trigger job crafting behaviours aimed at improving PJ fit (Tims & Bakker, 2010),\nmore research is needed to test this proposition. Approaching PJ fit as both perceived\nneeds-supplies (NS) fit and demands-abilities (DA) fit, the present research contributes\nto testing this proposition and develops theoretical arguments about the differential\nimpact of these types of fit on job crafting behaviours, based on conservation of resources\ntheory (Hobfoll, 1989). In so doing, approach and avoidance crafting behaviours are\ndistinguished (Zhang & Parker, 2019). In addition, the interaction between perceived NS\nfit and DA fit in predicting job crafting behaviours is proposed and tested. Using a threemonth time-lag study design, hypotheses were tested using 492 participants from a\nheterogeneous group of US workers. Results from structural equation modelling showed\nthat perceived DA fit negatively affected approach and avoidance crafting behaviours,\nwhile perceived NS fit facilitated approach crafting behaviours. Perceived NS fit\nstrengthened the effect of perceived DA fit on job crafting behaviours. In addition,\napproach crafting behaviours facilitated a positive change in PJ fit perceptions, while\navoidance crafting behaviours hindered this development. Overall, findings suggest that\nPJ fit perceptions might change through job crafting behaviours over time. The theoretical\nand practical implications of these findings are discussed and scholars are encouraged to\ncarry out further research to assess their generalisability.
Author: Nicolas Jourdan
Language: English
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3140519222