Do you consider yourself disciplined? Are you diligent? Do you find it easy to follow set rules and schedules? Do you think carefully before making decisions? If so, it may just be that you fall under the “Conscientiousness” category of the Big 5 personality traits.
Conscientiousness transcends simply being timely, orderly, and tidy. It reflects motivational tendencies to set goals and consistently work towards achieving them. Behaviors typical of people with this personality trait include being hard-working, responsible to others, self-controlled, and rule-abiding.
These attributes ensure high performance across several occupational settings compared to the other personality traits. However, scoring highly on a conscientiousness scale does not exclude you from having other Big 5 personality traits.
Read on as you learn more about conscientiousness and discover the best jobs and careers for people with Conscientiousness Personality Traits — whether you score high or low!
What is Conscientiousness in the Big 5 Personality Theory?
Conscientiousness is one of the five major personality traits in the Big Five Model. The Big 5 Personality Factor theory defines how our personalities compare and differ based on five common attributes. The other dimensions in the model are Openness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. You can learn more about how and why the theory was developed in our guide to the Big 5 Personality Factor Theory.
Conscientiousness measures how we control, regulate, and direct our impulses. Conscientious people fall under a broad domain of traits consisting of several lesser facets. Some facets considered components of conscientiousness include expertise, order, competence, discipline, dutifulness, deliberation, and self-discipline.
What Is The Big Five Trait of Conscientiousness Psychology Definition?
Conscientiousness is the disposition to follow societal norms, being goal-directed, resourceful, and able to delay gratification. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have what is referred to as a “Lack of Direction” in the Big 5 Personality Factor theory.
The conscientious personality trait is a top predictor of positive career and work-related outcomes. Conscientious people tend to be organized and mindful of details. They also find it easy to work well with others and meet deadlines. They are not impulsive — they take time to deliberate over decisions before making them.
If this sounds a lot like you, then you likely are a Conscientious person. However, you can only know for sure when you take a Big 5 Personality Test.
What Does A High Score On The Big Five Conscientiousness Scale Mean?
Getting a high score on the Big Five conscientiousness scale means that you prefer order and thoroughness in your work. Persons high in conscientiousness are highly motivated in their careers and are dedicated to achieving set goals. They work well with others and are comfortable following schedules to optimize productivity.
Highly conscientious people are organized and resourceful. They diligently plan, consider how their behavior affects others, and keep to deadlines.
But only some things associated with a high conscientiousness score are good news. There are negative traits too.
Extreme conscientiousness can result in less positive individual outcomes, such as obsessive compulsiveness. Persons with excessive conscientiousness may find it difficult to improvise or prioritize. They may become insufferable micromanagers over relatively simple tasks. Additionally, such individuals may exhibit other attributes, including excessive concern with minor details and rules, a neurotic adherence to routine, and perfectionism. They are often considered workaholics, and it is not uncommon for highly conscientious people to experience burnout.
What Does High Conscientiousness Look Like?
There are habits and behaviors you may notice in yourself as a highly conscientious person. These are:
- Love for things to be neat and clean
- Promptness in completing tasks
- Making prior plans and preparations and following them
- Preference for order and organization
- Paying strict attention to detail
Steps can be taken to mitigate the adverse effects of excessively high conscientiousness. If you fall into this category, you may find it helpful to review your beliefs, behaviors, and patterns. Documenting the negative results of high conscientiousness can help to prevent burnout.
What Does A Low Score On The Big Five Conscientiousness Scale Mean?
The Big 5 Theory refers to the opposite of the conscientious trait as “Lack of Direction,” although it’s not as bad as the name may sound. A low conscientiousness score on the Big Five Conscientiousness Scale means that you are more flexible in your approach to work and find it easier to be spontaneous or perform non-structured tasks. Individuals in this category have no problem changing schedules and even welcome such developments. They can think on their feet.
Individuals that are low in conscientiousness do not prioritize extensive planning or preparation for work. They may also need help managing their time efficiently or meeting strict deadlines.
Unlike being highly conscientious, individuals with low scores tend to procrastinate on important tasks or fail to complete them altogether. They are often disorganized, which can hamper their productivity or ability to work well with others.
What Does Low Conscientiousness Look Like?
Common descriptors for low conscientiousness include being casual, laid-back, and relaxed. Low conscientious individuals may exhibit other traits like tardiness, distractibility, and disorderliness.
To improve conscientiousness, these tips can help:
- Identify the areas you need to improve efficiency and organization
- Avoid multitasking. Try to complete tasks serially instead.
- Schedule your most important activities to fit your most productive time.
- Take time to understand others’ needs and work to improve communication.
What Does A Moderate Score On The Big Five Conscientiousness Scale Mean?
A moderate score on the Big Five conscientiousness scale means that you are reasonably reliable, organized, and self-controlled. People in this category tend to have a better balance of work and fun when compared to either high or low scores on the scale. Moderate scorers understand the importance of striking a balance between gregariousness and self-discipline.
It may be better to score on something other than the extreme of the conscientiousness trait because average scores possess the best features on both sides of the spectrum. This balance tends to make them more capable of building a successful career while at the same time maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, this group has to be mindful of avoiding carelessness because it can adversely affect their productivity.
Big 5 Traits of Conscientiousness: Career and Job Satisfaction
Conscientiousness has a significant influence on job satisfaction. Jobs best suited to this group require close attention to detail. Scheduled or routine appointments are preferable as they play on the strengths of conscientious workers and do not require much flexibility. Highly conscientious employees also tend to prefer occupations that require expertise.
In workplaces with this personality type, there is active communication and organization between staff and management because conscientious people can effectively pass information and understand other people’s needs. Also, there is a more defined structure as everyone understands their roles and the importance of working together to achieve set goals. Conscientious people are less likely to complain about their jobs, leading to a healthy work environment.
Their attention to detail and strong work ethic leads conscientious people to use deliberate, focused learning strategies. They are adept at methodical study and fact retention.
What Career Should I Go Into If I Score High In Conscientiousness?
Highly conscientious individuals make great leaders or independent workers and thrive in environments that hold them to ambitious standards. Their ability to be thorough is also an added advantage.
If you score high in consciousness, you can consider going into jobs like:
- Freelancing
- Entrepreneurship
- Accountancy
- Sales management
- Actor
- Doctor
- IT Manager
What Career Should I Go Into If I Score Low In Conscientiousness?
People who score low on conscientiousness scales are better suited for less predictable environments requiring more manual work. This is because such careers allow them room to both improvise and grow. They work well when pursuing a passion under solid leadership.
Low conscientious people can consider the following jobs:
- Sales Representative
- Technical Support
- Mechanic
- Landscaper
- Janitor
- Art Therapist
- Cook
How Do I Know If I Have A High Level of the Big-Five Trait of Conscientiousness?
Among the Big 5 Personality Factors, conscientiousness is most related to job satisfaction. This is due to how highly conscientious people go about their work. Conscientiousness is strongly connected to many soft skills employers seek, such as dependability and reliability.
While some people have a naturally conscientious personality, the good news is that you can also learn to develop conscientious traits and skills. The first step is to figure out your strengths and weaknesses. A Big 5 Career Assessment can help you better understand your personality in the workplace.
Or, if you want to learn more about yourself, you can take a more comprehensive Big 5 Personality Factor assessment.
