Gender differences in personality predictors of counterproductive behavior

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine gender differences in personality predictors of a specific form of workplace aggression: counterproductive work behaviors directed at individuals (CWB‐I).Design/methodology/approachStudents (n=212) who were part‐time employees working at least 15 hours per week completed a measure of the five‐factor model (FFM) personality traits and two circumplex personality traits (Calmnesss and Pleasantness), as well as a measure of CWB‐I. Hierarchical regressions and tests of mean differences were used to examine hypotheses pertaining to gender differences in personality predictors of interpersonal aggression.FindingsResults generally supported the hypotheses as shown by the significant interactions between gender and personality traits in predicting CWB‐I. Agreeableness and Pleasantness significantly (negatively) predicted CWB‐I among males, but not females. Emotional Stability significantly (negatively) predicted CWB‐I among females, but not males.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of self‐report surveys may impact the results of this study. However, as this is the first study to explore the complex interactions between gender and personality in predicting workplace aggression, it is hoped that future research tests these relationships with alternate samples and methodologies.Practical implicationsThe results show that personality traits predict interpersonal workplace aggression differentially for males and females. Results also show that circumplex intersection traits are a useful supplement to the FFM traits in explaining interpersonal aggression in the workplace.Originality/valueTo the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to show that personality traits differentially predict interpersonal aggression for males and females; and to demonstrate the incremental validity of circumplex traits over FFM traits in predicting interpersonal aggression.