Person-Organisation Fit


Person–organisation (P–O) fit refers to the compatibility between individuals and organisations, especially in terms of shared values, expectations, and culture. It is central to talent attraction, selection, and retention strategies, as employers shift from hiring solely on technical skill to selecting based on cultural fit and potential.

Technique Overview

Person-Organisation Fit

Person-Organisation Fit Definition

Person-organisation (P-O) fit is the degree of congruence between an individual and their organisation. It occurs when: (a) at least one party fulfils the needs of the other; (b) both share similar characteristics; or (c) both conditions are met (Kristof, 1996). The theory is grounded in interactionist perspectives, which posit that human behaviour results from the interplay between person and environment.

Person-Organisation Fit Description *

* The full technique overview will be available soon. Contact us to register your interest in our business management platform, and learn all about Person-Organisation Fit.

Business Evidence

Strengths, weaknesses and examples of Person-Organisation Fit *

* The business evidence section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the Business Evidence.

Business Application

Implementation, success factors and measures of Person-Organisation Fit *

* The business application section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the Business application.

Professional Tools

Person-Organisation Fit videos and downloads *

* The professional tools section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the professional tools.

Further Reading

Person-Organisation Fit web and print resources *

Person-Organisation Fit references (4 of up to 20) *

  • Billsberry, J. (2007) Experiencing Recruitment and Selection. Chichester: Wiley.
  • Cable, D.M. and DeRue, D.S. (2002) The convergent and discriminant validity of subjective fit perceptions. Journal of Applied Psychology, Vol. 87, pp.875-884.
  • Cable, D.M. and Judge, T.A. (1996) Person-Organization Fit, Job Choice Decisions, and Organizational Entry. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Vol. 67, pp.294-311.
  • Cable, D.M. and Parsons, C.K. (2001) Socialization Tactics and Person-Organization Fit. Personnel Psychology, Vol. 54,(1), pp.1-23.

* The further reading section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the further reading.


Learn more about KnowledgeBrief Manage and how you can equip yourself with the knowledge to succeed on Person-Organisation Fit and hundreds of other essential business management techniques

Other members were also interested in...

Related Concept: Introduction to Customer Relationship Management

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is how an organisation understands its customers and looks after them over time. It helps teams record customer details, track interactions, solve issues promptly, and identify opportunities to build stronger, longer-lasting relationships. When used well, CRM leads to happier customers and better outcomes.