The big five of personality and work involvement

Abstract

The relationship between the big five of personality and work involvement was investigated in a questionnaire study with a sample of 279 white-collar workers, who were employed on a full-time basis in clerical, administrative and managerial positions. Hypotheses were tested by means of hierarchical regressions that controlled for the effects of demographics and human capital. Scores on agreeableness were negatively related to scores on work involvement and to total hours worked per week; and the extroversion × openness interaction made a positive contribution to scores on work involvement. Overall, the findings suggest the existence of an, albeit not strong or extensive, relationship between the big five of personality and work involvement. The limitations of the study and its implications for practice are discussed. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.