Job satisfaction is considered to be the most important and frequently examined outcome variable in congruence research. The assumption that congruence results in job satisfaction is fundamental to Holland's theory; however, the empirical evidence predominantly indicates that the congruence - job satisfaction correlation is, at best, equivocal. There is a movement within vocational psychology that the congruence construct is “dead” as a viable theoretical concept and that the field should abandon Holland's theory. This idea does not exist without significant argument, however.

It has been recognized widely that congruence has not fared better in the empirical research literature because methodological limitations have led to unimpressive and ambiguous findings. This study addressed the common methodological problems associated with congruence research and provided a rationale for identifying and comparing measurement alternatives. This study compared two methods for generating Holland summary codes and two indexes for calculating congruence and investigated three aspects of job satisfaction.

Significant findings included support for a weak correlation between congruence and overall job satisfaction and a weak correlation between congruence and extrinsic job satisfaction; however, none of the significant relationships found in this study were in the predicted direction. It is discussed that the congruence construct should not be considered as dead, but instead should be reconceptualized if it is to remain a viable concept in the research and practice of vocational psychology. It is suggested here that contemporary views of congruence should reflect the social and economic shifts that have influenced the changing nature of the meaning of work.