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Learning Objectives: 10-4: Discuss the major theories of vocational decision making.

Ehrhart, K. H., & Makransky, G. (2007). Testing Vocational Interests and Personality as Predictors of Person-Vocation and Person-Job Fit. Journal of Career Assessment, 15(2), 206-226. doi:10.1177/1069072706298105

Description: The fit between individuals and their work environments has received decades of theoretical and empirical attention. This study investigated two antecedents to individuals’ perceptions of fit: vocational interests and personality. More specifically, the authors hypothesized that vocational interests assessed in terms of the Career Occupational Preference System Interest Inventory–Professional Level taxonomy predict perceived fit with occupations (person-vocation fit) and personality assessed in terms of the Five-Factor Model predicts perceived fit with job characteristics (person-job fit). Results indicated that vocational interests were better predictors of both perceived person-job and perceived person-vocation fit than personality. These results are discussed in terms of their implications for researchers and practitioners.

Questions to Consider:

1. Why do you think that vocational interests were a better predictor of person-vocation fit and person-job fit than personality?
    
2. Within the Job Characteristics Model, which of the below is NOT a core job characteristic?
   
   1. Skill variety
   2. Task identity
   3. Autonomy
   4. Relatedness  (Correct answer)
       
3. Which three personality factors were measured in this study?
   
   1. Extraversion, openness to experience, and conscientiousness (Correct answer)
   2. Extraversion, neuroticism, and agreeableness
   3. Extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness
   4. Agreeableness, openness to experience, and conscientiousness