The Big Five personality traits – openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism – have been widely studied for their impact on various aspects of life, including career success. Among these, agreeableness, characterized by kindness, warmth, cooperativeness, and consideration for others, plays a significant role in the workplace. However, its impact on career outcomes is not always positive.
Agreeableness and Job Satisfaction
Research has found a positive association between agreeableness and job satisfaction1. Employees who score high on agreeableness tend to have better relationships with their colleagues and supervisors, which can contribute to a more positive work environment. However, this trait can also lead to higher levels of burnout, particularly when coupled with long working hours [1].
Agreeableness and Wages
Interestingly, studies have found a negative relationship between agreeableness and wages [2] [3] [4]. More agreeable individuals, who are often cooperative and less competitive, may be less likely to negotiate for higher salaries or promotions. This is particularly true for women, who are generally more agreeable than men [5] [6]. Despite being as likely as men to ask for a raise, women are less likely to receive it [7].
Agreeableness and Career Success
While agreeableness can contribute to a positive work environment, it does not necessarily translate into career success. In fact, highly agreeable individuals often have less career satisfaction and lower salaries, particularly in people-oriented occupations [4] [8]. This could be due to their tendency to prioritize the needs of others over their own, which can lead to missed opportunities for advancement.
Moreover, agreeableness can sometimes lead to higher obedience to authority [9], which may limit individuals' ability to challenge the status quo and innovate. On the other hand, highly agreeable individuals are more likely to engage in ethical behavior at work, including whistle-blowing when they observe unethical practices [10].
Gender Differences in Agreeableness
Research has consistently shown that women tend to score higher on agreeableness than men [5] [6]. This could be due to both evolutionary factors and social role theory, which suggests that women are socialized to be more nurturing and cooperative [6]. However, this higher level of agreeableness may contribute to the gender wage gap, as women may be less likely to negotiate for higher wages or promotions [7].
Balancing Agreeableness with Other Traits
While agreeableness can have both positive and negative impacts on career outcomes, it's important to balance this trait with others. For example, conscientiousness – characterized by reliability, organization, and a strong work ethic – can help mitigate some of the negative impacts of agreeableness on wages and career success [11].
In conclusion, while agreeableness can contribute to a positive work environment and ethical behavior, it can also lead to lower wages and career satisfaction. Therefore, it's important for individuals and organizations to be aware of these potential impacts and to strive for a balance of personality traits in the workplace.
Works Cited
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Mueller, G., & Plug, E. (2006). Estimating the Effect of Personality on Male and Female Earnings. Industrial and Labor Relations Review, 60(1), 3–22. Link