Exploring the relationship between personality traits and organisational commitment in an Irish healthcare organisation
Authors
Hawkins, Idelle
Issue Date
2019
Degree
BA (Hons) in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
Items in Esource are protected by copyright. Previously published items are made available in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher/copyright holder.
Abstract
Global workforce shortages are reaching critical levels and organisations are looking for effective strategies to retain and develop committed employees in these turbulent times. Hence, the current study explored the relationship between Five Factor Model (FFM) personality traits and Meyer and Allen’s (1990) three component model of organisational commitment in a medium sized Irish healthcare organisation. The sample consisted of 116 employees. Pearson correlation coefficient revealed a significantly positive relationship between FFM traits and affective commitment while no relationship was found between FFM and normative or continuance commitment. Agreeableness was the trait most strongly associated with affective commitment. One way ANOVA established significant differences between age and length of service variables and commitment scores. More primary studies are required to establish the generalizability and reliability of the findings. The results provide important implications for HR recruitment and retentions practices.