Supplementary fit occurs when which condition exists?

• A. When a person brings new capabilities not present in the organization.
• B. When a person demonstrates a high degree of job-specific technical skills.
• C. When a person has characteristics that are similar to those that already exist in the organization.
• D. When a person lacks the necessary education.

Answer: (C)

Supplementary fit is about similarity to the people and culture already present in the organization. When a candidate has characteristics that align with the values, attitudes, and norms of existing employees, they tend to mesh more easily, collaborate smoothly, and feel more accepted within the team. That alignment with what the organization already is helps explain why the described condition—having characteristics similar to those that already exist—best captures supplementary fit.

The other scenarios point to different ideas: bringing in new capabilities suggests filling gaps with unique or complementary attributes rather than mirroring the current culture; boasting high job-specific technical skills relates to matching job requirements rather than the organization’s existing makeup; lacking the necessary education is a qualification issue, not a measure of fit with the current workforce.