Antarctica: A study of person-culture fit

Abstract

This study explored the concept of person – culture fit for men and women working in remote and isolated Australian Antarctic stations. Person – culture fit was assessed in terms of the congruence between perceived Antarctic station values and ideal organisational values. In particular, the study investigated the extent to which congruence between perceived Antarctic station values and ideal organisational values was related to individual attitudes and job outcomes, including, job satisfaction, perceived group cohesion and subjective fit. Participants were 117 men and women who participated in Australian Antarctic expeditions between 1950 and 2000. The results showed that person – culture fit was related to job satisfaction and group cohesion. Person – culture fit and demographic characteristics such as age and gender were also related to subjective fit with Antarctic station culture.