The relative importance of targets' neuroticism facets in relation to their perceptions of workplace mistreatment.

Abstract

Despite evidence that indicates neuroticism is the strongest Five Factor Model personality correlate of perceived workplace mistreatment, there is a paucity of research on the relationship between neuroticism facets and mistreatment, particularly, the relative importance of these facets. Clarity in this regard could aid our understanding as to why neuroticism is related to mistreatment and thus guide theory building, in addition to increasing the utility of personality measures and organizational interventions. Data from a sample of 307 employees were used to conduct an exploratory relative weights analysis of the six neuroticism facets on two forms of mistreatment. Results indicated that the facets of depression, anxiety and anger consistently explained significant proportions of the variance in both group-based and non-group-based mistreatment whereas self-consciousness, immoderation and vulnerability did not. Implications, limitations and directions for future research are discussed.