An examination of the relationship between conscientiousness and group performance on a creative task

The positive relationship between conscientiousness and job performance appears to be robust for individuals and groups across most contexts. This research examined the possibility that this positive relationship might reverse in groups engaged in a creative task. In Study 1 (N = 55 four-person groups), a significant negative relationship was observed between group conscientiousness and group performance. To test our hypothesis that this effect is driven by the activation of maladaptive or adaptive behaviors for high vs. low conscientiousness groups (respectively), in Study 2 (N = 59 four-person groups), we manipulated task instructions to make the approach to the task appear more “flexible” or “structured.” Task instructions interacted with group conscientiousness, and provide support for this theoretical explanation.