Trait Expression through Perceived Job Characteristics: A Meta-analytic Path Model Linking Personality and Job Attitudes

Abstract

Research has provided considerable support for the dispositional basis of job attitudes. However, the theoretical mechanisms that mediate such personality trait-job attitude relationships have been less forthcoming. Drawing from five-factor theory and self-verification theory, in the present study we developed and tested a meta-analytic path model linking the five-factor model (FFM) of personality to overall job attitudes (i.e., job satisfaction and affective organizational commitment) through employees' perceptions of task and social job characteristics. In doing so, we reveal important work features through which each FFM trait is expressed to shape employee job attitudes. We discuss the implications of our results for both theory and practice and highlight future research directions for both personality trait and job attitudes inquiry.