Complementary and Supplementary Fit: A Theoretical and Empirical Integration.

The theoretical underpinnings of the complementary and supplementary fit traditions are articulated, using psychological need fulfillment and value congruence as prototypes of each tradition.

Abstract

Complementary and supplementary fit represent 2 distinct traditions within the person-environment fit paradigm. However, these traditions have progressed in parallel but separate streams. This article articulates the theoretical underpinnings of the 2 traditions, using psychological need fulfillment and value congruence as prototypes of each tradition. Using a sample of 963 adult employees ranging from laborers to executives, the authors test 3 alternative conceptual models that examine the complementary and supplementary traditions. Results show that an integrative model dominates the other two, such that both traditions simultaneously predict outcomes in different ways.