Correlation between Big Five Personality and Workplace Attitude in Research and Manufacturing Sector

Abstract

Studies have shown a correlation between neuroticism and aggressive behaviours. In this study, we use data collected from employees working in the manufacturing and research sector to form associations between big five personality and aggressive workplace behaviour. The correlation was established between personality (neuroticism, openness, agreeableness, extraversion, and conscientiousness) and aggression (physical aggression, anger, verbal aggression, and hostility). Additionally, the study also examines any correlation between aggression and participant’s motives (need for power, need for achievement, and need for security). The sample consists of 47 participants from a research and manufacturing unit of India. B5T was used to measure the big five personality aspects and Brief Aggression Questionnaire was used to measure four aspects of aggression. Using Pearson Correlation, a statistically significant positive correlation was established between neuroticism and two subsets of aggression—anger and hostility. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between openness to new experiences and physical aggression, another subset of aggression. This result was not supported by the existing literature. Thus, more research is needed to examine this link. Interestingly, this paper found no statistically significant negative correlation between aggression and agreeableness that is well documented in other studies. Moreover, no significant correlation between people’s motivations and behaviour was found. Workplace can employ the use of these results to see which personality type would best benefit from which kind of aggressive intervention. Hence, they can help provide a more targeted intervention for aggressive behaviour at workplace.