The Relationship Between Personality Traits, Deviant Behavior and Workplace Incivility

Abstract

Rude, rough, and disrespectful behavior has been experienced by most individuals every day, especially at work. These types of behaviors are categorized into workplace incivility and deviant behavior. Personality traits are one of the characteristics that tend to influence a person's behavior at work. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the relationship between personality traits and workplace incivility and deviant behavior. This study is a quantitative study, where data is collected using a three-part questionnaire which are demographics, personality inventory and workplace behavior. The study sample consisted of 97 employees of private organizations around the state of Selangor and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. Data were then analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Pearson's correlation test and multiple regression tests were carried out to achieve the research's objectives. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between personality traits and workplace deviant behavior and incivility. The results also showed that personality traits significantly predict workplace deviant behavior and incivility. The insights gained can help organizations in hiring new employees or identifying possible causes for unwanted issues within the organization.