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An investigation of the personality traits of scientists versus nonscientists and their relationship with career satisfaction
Author(s) -
Lounsbury John W.,
Foster Nancy,
Patel Hemali,
Carmody Patrick,
Gibson Lucy W.,
Stairs Deborah R.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
randd management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.253
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1467-9310
pISSN - 0033-6807
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-9310.2011.00665.x
Subject(s) - conscientiousness , psychology , agreeableness , big five personality traits , openness to experience , extraversion and introversion , social psychology , optimism , assertiveness , personality , facet (psychology) , coaching , applied psychology , psychotherapist
Drawing on H olland's vocational theory, S chneider's A ttraction‐ S election‐ A ttrition model, and the B ig F ive/narrow traits model of personality, the present study identified key B ig F ive and narrow personality traits that both distinguish scientists from members of other occupations and related these to their career satisfaction. A sample of 2,015 scientists had significantly higher levels of openness, intrinsic motivation, and tough‐mindedness, and significantly lower levels of assertiveness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, extraversion, optimism, and visionary style than a sample of nonscientists ( n = 78,753). Seven traits were significantly correlated with the career satisfaction of scientists: agreeableness/teamwork, assertiveness, emotional stability, extraversion, openness, optimism, and work drive. Based on these results, a psychological profile of scientists was presented. Findings were discussed in terms of the functional value and person–occupation fit of these traits for the work of scientists. Implications were described for the recruitment, selection, management, and promotion of scientists, as well as their training, development, coaching, counseling, and mentoring.