Functional Forms of Fit: Making the Case for an Asymmetric Perspective

In research disciplines such as organization science and information systems, fit, for example between environmental factors and organizational structure, and between organizational tasks and information systems, plays an important role to explain and predict variables such as organizational performance and user satisfaction. We build on the observation that while different types of fit have been identified, the characteristics that underlie the functional relationships of fit and the respective dependent variables have received less attention. We suggest that two characteristics in particular, (1) continuity versus dichotomy of fit and non-fit, and (2) symmetry of effects, require the attention of researchers who study complex organizational phenomena as part of organizational and information systems research. We suggest that researchers routinely consider asymmetric forms of fit that distinguish over-fit and under-fit and clearly justify their choices of continuous versus dichotomous fit-variables in their research designs. We discuss the implications for fit-related research studies.