Archetypes and Person-Organization fit in law firms

• Published in: Journal of professions and organization Vol. 2; no. 2; pp. 168 - 186
• Main Authors: De Haas, Maarten J. O. M., Van Eerde, Wendelien
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press 01-09-2015
• Subjects: intention to stay; commitment; professional service firms; person-organization fit; job satisfaction
• ISSN: 2051-8811; 2051-8803; 2051-8803; 2051-8811
• DOI: 10.1093/jpo/jov003

We investigated Person-Organization (P-O) Fit specific for professional services firms, based on archetype theory. To do so, we first established the applicability of archetype theory for the big law firms in The Netherlands. Subsequently, we developed a measure to investigate P-O fit between early career lawyers and their firms. Using polynomial regression analysis, we assessed the effects of fit on satisfaction, commitment, and the intention to stay with the firm. Results indicated that fit between these specific professional service firm values and the values of young professionals is related to satisfaction, commitment, and intention to stay. Adding core self-evaluations as a moderating factor increased the explanatory potential of some of the fit measures and supported the validity of these measures. We contributed to existing archetype and P-O fit research by examining fit with specific relevance for professional service firms. Professional service firms are advised to consider their archetypical characteristics when attracting, selecting, and developing young professionals.