The Hiring Process Matters: The Role of Person–Job and Person–Organization Fit in Teacher Satisfaction

Abstract

Purpose: Teachers’ satisfaction with their jobs has reached the lowest point in 25 years. One contributing factor is when teachers experience information-poor hiring processes and do not obtain an accurate preview of their positions, their person–organization (P-O) fit, and person–job (P-J) fit. Sparked by a renewed focus on the variables that can influence teacher satisfaction, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among accurate job preview, P-O and P-J fit, and job satisfaction among teachers. Research Approach: Drawing on existing literature, a mediation model was hypothesized. Using existing data collected by the Center for Research, Evaluation, and Advancement of Teacher Education, a structural equation model was tested with a sample of 729 newly hired teachers. Specifically addressed was the extent to which P-O and P-J fit mediated the relationship between accurate job preview and satisfaction. Findings: Accurate job preview predicted future P-O and P-J fit. Higher levels of P-O and P-J fit were linked to higher teacher satisfaction rates. Accurate job previews worked through P-J fit and P-O fit to result in increased teacher satisfaction. Additionally, 53.3% of the variance in satisfaction with the campus was explained by the model. Implications for Research and Practice: Providing newly hired teachers with accurate job previews was related to higher satisfaction rates, so school and district leaders should consider ways to increase candidates’ knowledge during the hiring process about specific school settings and students’ needs.