Brifing

Clusters of Counterproductive Behavior and Personality Profiles

How personality traits influence unproductive behaviors in the workplace

1Roots of Counterproductive Behavior

The research reveals that unproductive actions such as aggression, theft, and dishonesty in the workplace are linked to personality traits. The Big Five personality traits play a significant role in predicting these behaviors.

2Personality and Balance

According to cybernetic personality theory, imbalances in personality (mismatch between homeostasis and change processes) can lead to general counterproductive behavior. This negatively affects employee performance and workplace harmony.

3Meta-Analysis Findings

A meta-analysis covering 46 articles and over 850,000 participants shows a strong correlation between unproductive behaviors and personality profiles. Certain personality configurations are particularly critical in predicting these behaviors.

4Personality Profiles and Clusters

The study identified two main clusters and four subclusters associated with counterproductive behavior. These clusters parallel the externalizing superspectrum of psychopathology, suggesting a potential general classification system.

5Practical Implications

The findings highlight the importance of personality assessments in hiring processes. Identifying the right personality profiles can be effective in preventing unproductive behaviors and enhancing workplace harmony.

6Future Research

The study indicates that the relationship between personality and counterproductive behavior needs deeper exploration. Future research could focus on developing strategies to prevent these behaviors.

Original article: Journal of Applied Psychology — Çalışanlarda Verimsiz Davranışlar ve Kişilik Profilleri