The public sector dilemma: balancing P-O fit and career growth in a digital world
摘要
Although research has examined person-organization fit (P-O fit) and career growth among private-sector employees, limited attention has been given to the public sector. In the context of extensive public service activities and high occupational stress experienced by Chinese public sector workers, this study investigates the relationship between P-O fit and career growth. A total of 947 public sector employees participated in the survey, which was conducted through the snowball sampling method. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the proposed hypotheses. This study employed fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to identify configurations of antecedent conditions leading to high career self-management (CSM). The results indicate that P-O fit has a positive influence on career growth, with CSM serving as a mediator. Additionally, the relationship between P-O fit and career growth is moderated by digitization-oriented job demands, which weaken the link between P-O fit and CSM. This study contributes to the literature on career development in the public sector, providing insights into the management of public sector employees and the development of public service in China.