Person-environment fit: the Missing Link in the Organisational Culture -Commitment Relationship

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating effect of person-environment fit on the relationship
between organisational culture and organisational commitment. Data were obtained from full-time employees
who were working in private and public sectors from various organisations in Malaysia (n = 204).
Person-environment fit was found to be a significant mediator of the relationship between organisational culture
and organisational commitment. This has wide-ranging implications for organisational development consultants
who intend to shape the culture of various organisations, on the assumption that certain organisational cultures
directly lead to certain desirable employee outcomes. Managers need to pay attention to not only their
organisational culture such as training, rewards, teamwork and communication, but to also ensure that they are
aimed towards improving the fit between individuals and their work environment. Whereas previous research
tends to look at P-E fit as a predictor of employee outcomes, this is one of the first few studies to provide
evidence of P-E fit as a mediator of the relationship between organisational culture and organisational
commitment.