Challenges of person-organisation fit in (post)pandemic times: a comparative study in the service sector under the aspect of digitisation and alienation

This study looks at organisational adjustments in the service sector induced through the COVID-19 pandemic. It uses the perspective of alienation triggered by digital transformation and the impact on workplace interaction and person-organisation fit. Core element is a survey of German hairdressing and floristry businesses. Descriptive statistical methods, multinomial logistic regression analysis and qualitative content analysis are used for evaluation. Only a few pre-pandemic and post-pandemic studies of the hairdressing/floriculture sector consider 'person-organisation fit' and 'alienation'. This study tries to contribute to this research stream. Findings show that the COVID-19 pandemic has a direct impact on the performance of an organisation and its employees. Pandemic-driven digitisation was accompanied by positive and negative effects on cooperation within the company. It is crucial to stimulate new thoughts and approaches in the organisation and to emphasise digital transformation as a necessary step. Analogue and digital processes must be brought closer together.