Learning from career preparedness: examining the influence of person–environment fit on decent work expectations

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of person–environment fit on decent work expectations and the mediating role of career preparedness in the relationship between person–environment fit and decent work expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling analysis was used to examine the relationships based on 356 economically disadvantaged college students (M_age = 20.3 years, SD = 1.27, 71.9% female) from several Chinese universities.

Findings

The result confirmed that person–environment fit significantly influenced decent work expectations directly and indirectly through career preparedness. A new contextual support (i.e. person–environment fit) was identified on decent work outcome expectations and the learning mechanism underlying the effect of this predictor.

Originality/value

This study significantly contributes to the literature by addressing the gaps within the social cognitive model of career self-management, specifically by exploring the under-researched role of person–environment fit as a key antecedent of decent work expectations. By doing so, it expands the understanding of how alignment between individual attributes and work environments influences career outcomes. Additionally, the study establishes a comprehensive framework that integrates person–environment fit, career preparedness and decent work expectations, providing a novel perspective for future research and practical applications in career development.

Citation

Kou, Q. and Mohd Rasdi, R. (2025), "Learning from career preparedness: examining the influence of person–environment fit on decent work expectations", European Journal of Training and Development, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-09-2024-0140