U.S. INTRA-STATE GEOGRAPHIC VARIATION IN PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND STATE FISCAL SHORTFALLS

Abstract

This study extends on personality literature by exa mining state level variation of the Big Five Person ality traits, per-capita GDP and population on US state b udget shortfalls. Through the lens of Wildavsky’s Cultural Theory of Budgeting, this study analyzes s tate level Big Five personality characteristics and their relationship to budgetary shortfalls. Signifi cant relationships between per-capita GDP, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and o penness to new experience with state budget gaps were observed. An interaction effect between consci entiousness and agreeableness was also observed. This study links the aggregated individual personal ity of a state’s population to the outcomes of its policy making. Policy makers benefit from understanding the relationship between the personalities of their constituencies and the nature of the policies they are implementing.