Gallery Presentation International Positive Psychology Association 7th IPPA World Congress 2021

Offering organizational opportunities for employee development: a person-environment fit strategy. (#173)

Bryan Dik 1
  1. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States

Both positive psychology and vocational psychology build on the psychology of individual differences, which forms the basis of person-environment fit (P-E fit) strategies to career intervention. Yet despite their inherently strengths-based assumptions, P-E fit intervention strategies are underdeveloped within positive psychology and within organizations. This presentation seeks to describe P-E fit as a robust model for creating the conditions in which human flourishing occurs within the career domain. Organizations can leverage P-E fit in both the hiring process and via employee development. Drawing from extensive research on vocational interests and work values, these strategies use assessment to identify domains in which individuals are most likely to experience high levels of motivation, thereby facilitating ongoing skill development and performance, as well as subjective wellbeing and meaning. New tools and resources are available to implement these strategies in guiding both career decision-making and job crafting. I will briefly demonstrate one of them, an online assessment system built to leverage P-E fit principles in ways designed to promote purpose in the workplace. I will also summarize initial efforts to establish evidence that this strategy yields the intended benefits. I want to work for an organization that offers opportunities to engage in activities that align with my interests and values, and that permits me to develop my career with these factors as drivers. This presentation offers some tangible examples of how this might be accomplished.

  • Keywords: Achievement, Business and Organizations, Coaching, Leadership/Management, Motivation