Values and person‐organization fit: Does moral intensity strengthen outcomes?

Abstract

Purpose

This study seeks to explore the relationship between corporate ethical values and person‐organization fit (P‐O fit) and the effects on organization commitment and job satisfaction. Further, it aims to examine the construct of moral intensity as a moderator of the P‐O fit‐commitment relationship as well as the P‐O fit‐job satisfaction relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 489 members of the National Purchasing Association in the USA, a structural model was examined in which it was hypothesized that corporate ethical values would be positively related to person‐organization fit and P‐O fit in turn would be positively related to commitment and job satisfaction. It was further hypothesized that the outcomes associated with P‐O fit would be moderated by moral intensity such that high moral intensity would strengthen the P‐O fit outcomes relationships.

Findings

All of the hypotheses were supported.

Research limitations/implications

All data stem from one data source, introducing the possibility of mono‐source bias. Additionally, all scales use self‐reports, introducing the possibility of mono‐method bias.

Practical implications

These results highlight the importance of corporate ethical values and moral intensity in building and maintaining an ethical and committed workforce.

Originality/value

The findings of this study contribute to the ethics and P‐O fit literature by establishing a link between corporate ethical values and P‐O fit. It further construes moral intensity as a subjective variable based on the perceiver rather than an objective characteristic of ethical issues. Moral intensity was found to strengthen the relationships between P‐O fit and satisfaction and P‐O fit and commitment.

Citation

Andrews, M.C., Baker, T. and Hunt, T.G. (2011), "Values and person‐organization fit: Does moral intensity strengthen outcomes?", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 32 No. 1, pp. 5-19. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437731111099256