Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2023

Keywords

PE-fit ·Differential predictions ·Vocational education ·Hospitality and tourism ·Pandemic ·Career choice ·Hong Kong

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-9315-2_18

Abstract

Person-environment fit theory (PE-fit) theory emphasises a match between a person’s attribute (P) and the workplace environment (E). However, a differential predictions hypothesis emphasises the different contributions of personal and envi-ronmental inputs to outcomes. Higher education students in Hong Kong (N = 380) completed a survey on their personal interest (P) and the contemporary threatening environment (E) (fear of pandemic, social unrest, international disputes) related to tourism-related outcomes (intent to join tourism, lifelong commitment, leadership, and anxiety) during COVID-19. Structural equation modelling found that P strongly predicted Intent, Lifelong, and Leadership, whereas E strongly predicted Anxiety, supporting the differential predictions hypothesis. PE-fit (P × positive E) predicted Intent in addition to the prediction of P, supporting the PE-fit hypothesis. The find-ings imply the different merits of PE-fit and differential predictions hypotheses for various vocational outcomes, and the importance of reinforcing students’ interest to launch their career in challenging times.

Source Publication

Applied Degree Education and the Shape of Things to Come

First Page

319

Last Page

338

Download
Link to Publisher’s Version

Share

COinS