The relevance of person-environment fit amongst human resource graduates from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University within the Nelson Mandela Metropole

• Main Author: Matthysen, Megan
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University 2009
• Subjects: Environmental psychology > South Africa > Port Elizabeth; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University > Students > Psychological aspects; Students > Psychological aspects > South Africa > Port Elizabeth
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1186

This study sought to investigate the relevance of Person-Environment (P-E) fit amongst Human Resource (HR) graduates from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) within the Nelson Mandela Metropole (NMM). A secondary objective of this study was to determine whether P-E fit was a determinant of Human Resource (HR) graduates’ migration. The study comprised a pilot study and main study (n=50). The study was qualitative in nature, but incorporated a quantitative research component to support the qualitative research findings. Results showed that HR graduates from the NMMU perceived P-E fit as important. Immense emphasis was placed on achieving P-E fit by means of finding employment related to Human Resource Management (HRM). The lack of P-E fit, amongst HR graduates, was furthermore revealed as a determinant of graduate migration. HR graduates would relocate to pursue a career in HRM. Implications of the findings are that organisations should use the theoretical knowledge of HR graduates to develop their skills and broaden their practical knowledge. This will secure competent future HR managers for the NMM and help to combat scarce skills migrations from the area.