Big Five trait predictors of differential counterproductive work behavior dimensions

Counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs) negatively affect the well-being of an organization and/or the performance of its employees. This study compared the predictive validity of the Big Five traits with respect to the one-, two-, and five-dimensional approaches for measuring CWBs. Survey results from employees (N = 233) confirmed previous relationships with agreeableness predicting a composite measure of CWBs and interpersonally-directed (ID) behaviors, and conscientiousness predicting a composite measure of CWBs and organizationally-directed (OD) behaviors. However, conscientiousness only predicted the OD behaviors of sabotage and theft. Extraversion predicted theft while openness to experience predicted production deviance. Further results and implications are discussed.