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. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.