Employee personality characteristics vs. job satisfaction and commitment : an empirical analysis

Abstract

PURPOSE: The study aimed to identify the relationships between job satisfaction, engagement, and personality characteristics according to the five-factor personality model.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The empirical material was collected through a questionnaire survey. The survey was conducted in 2021 in the West Pomeranian province, Poland. 426 questionnaires were analyzed.

FINDINGS: None of the personality characteristics considered influences either outcome in terms of job satisfaction or engagement, even though these categories are sometimes equated in the literature. Emotional stability is conducive to job satisfaction. Relatively higher engagement can be expected among extroverted and creative/open-to-change individuals.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Organizations seeking to improve employee job satisfaction and engagement should assess personality traits during the recruitment process. Individuals already in the organization or newly hired can also be impacted in this regard through other HR procedures (e.g., training).

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Analysis of identified compounds in a Polish research sample.