A Person–Organization Fit Model of Owner–Managers’ Cognitive Style and Organizational Demands

Based on survey responses from 159 owner–managers in small high–technology firms, we examined the association among specific individual characteristics, firm characteristics, and the individual outcomes of satisfaction and intentions to exit. Regression analyses indicated higher satisfaction and lower intentions to exit for owner–managers whose dominant decision–making style complemented the levels of formalization and structure in their firms. In addition, we found that both satisfaction and intentions to exit were significantly associated with actual turnover over a 5–year period. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

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