Connecting Personality Traits with Deviant Workplace Behaviour
Connecting Personality Traits with Deviant Workplace Behaviour

Summary/Abstract: Deviant workplace behaviour presents an important research question in todays’ organizations as it can cause harmful effects on both the individual and organizational level. Besides affecting individual work outcomes, it can also have different social and psychological effects on them and consequently on the overall organization. As of this, it is important to recognize possible determinants of workplace deviance. Personality traits present an important element in defining individual behaviour and intentions. As such, they can be considered as a strong predictor of various forms of deviant workplace behaviour. To test the proposed connection, an empirical research was done on a sample of 189 individuals. The work is based on the big five personality model, as a popular method of assessing personality traits, and deviant workplace behaviour is analysed from individual and organizational point of view. In general, results show higher level of organizational than individual deviant behaviour, but also their mutual dependence. Regarding personality traits, results indicate that the personality traits of agreeableness and conscientiousness are statistically significantly negatively connected with both forms of undesirable behaviour. Other traits including extraversion, emotional stability and openness are not statistically significantly connected with either individual or organizational workplace behaviour. Results are controlled for difference regarding age and gender. Research implications are provided.

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