Person–Organisation Fit and Occupation Selection in Bangladesh: A Study on Bangladesh Civil Service Applicants

Abstract

Using the tenets of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this study aims to investigate the role of person–organisation (P–O) fit in predicting the job-seeking intentions of university graduates in Bangladesh. There is a lack of adequate research into the theoretical phenomenon in career-related literature, especially in light of inconsistent findings for the suggested relationships under the TPB framework. This may be one of the pioneer studies that examines the role of perceived P–O fit in the association between the TPB core constructs (i.e., subjective norms, self-efficacy and attitudes) and job-seeking intentions. Based on data collected from 239 unemployed university graduates in Bangladesh, this article examines the hypothesised relationships among the study variables with structural equation modelling. The results indicated that P–O fit significantly predicted job-seeking intentions, both directly and indirectly, through the influence of attitudes. Additionally, attitudes partially mediated the association between self-efficacy and job-seeking intentions. Notably, although subjective norms could not influence job-seeking intentions, the boundary conditions of P–O fit perceptions on the relationship between subjective norms and job-seeking intentions appeared significant. Based on the findings, there is a discussion of practical implications for career counsellors and recruitment policymakers. Finally, the study’s limitations and possible research directions are highlighted.