Three-Dimensional Relationships Between Demands–Abilities Fit and Burnout Among Koreans

This study examined the interactional effects of demands–abilities (D–A) fit on burnout (exhaustion, cynicism, and professional efficacy) using 5 content dimensions (workload, job complexity, social interaction, leading/managing roles, and decision-making). The person– environment fit theory of stress and the conservation of resources theory were applied to explain the 3-dimensional relationships between D–A (mis)fit and burnout. First, the structure of the scales was checked to assess D–A fit in the 5 dimensions with a sample of 720 Korean employees. Then, hypotheses were tested using the atomistic approach with another sample of 137 Korean employees at a university. Overall, the level of fit and the direction of misfit mattered. In addition, relationships between D–A fit and burnout differed depending on burnout facets and job dimensions. The results implied that researchers and practitioners should consider the focal content dimension and the target criterion when intervening for D–A misfit.