Personality dynamics at work: The effects of form, time, and context of variability

Beckmann, N.; Birney, D.P.; Minbashian, M.; Beckmann, J.F.

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the status of within-person state variability in neuroticism and conscientiousness as individual differences constructs by exploring their (a) temporal stability, (b) cross-context consistency, (c) empirical links to selected antecedents, and (d) empirical links to longer-term trait variability. Employing a sample of professionals (N = 346) from Australian organizations, personality state data together with situation appraisals were collected using experience sampling methodology in field and repeatedly in lab-like settings. Data on personality traits, cognitive ability, and motivational mindsets were collected at baseline and after two years. Contingent (situation contingencies) and noncontingent (relative SD) state variability indices were relatively stable over time and across contexts. Only a small number of predictive effects of state variability were observed, and these differed across contexts. Cognitive ability appeared to be associated with state variability under lab-like conditions. There was limited evidence of links between short-term state and long-term trait variability, except for a small effect for neuroticism. Some evidence of positive manifold was found for non-contingent variability. Systematic efforts are required to further elucidate the complex pattern of results regarding the antecedents, correlates and outcomes of individual differences in state variability.

Citation

Beckmann, N., Birney, D., Minbashian, M., & Beckmann, J. (2021). Personality dynamics at work: The effects of form, time, and context of variability. European Journal of Personality, 35(4), 421-449

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 15, 2021
• Online Publication Date: May 27, 2021
• Publication Date: Jul 1, 2021
• Deposit Date: Mar 19, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 5, 2021
• Journal: European Journal of Personality
• Print ISSN: 0890-2070
• Electronic ISSN: 1099-0984
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 35
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 421-449
• Keywords: dynamic personality, personality states, situation contingencies, within-person variability, trait change
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1278741