Personality Traits of Project Managers
The personality traits (PTs) of project managers (PMs) have a positive impact on sustainable development (SD). Hence, there is a significant focus on the big five personality traits: extraversion versus introversion, agreeableness versus antagonism, conscientiousness versus lack of direction, neuroticism versus emotional stability, and openness versus closeness to experience.
Extraversion Vs. Introversion
Extraversion versus introversion involves assertiveness (forceful), excitement-seeking (adventurous), gregariousness (sociable), warmth (outgoing), and positive emotions (enthusiastic). An extraversion individual displays all of these PTs, whereas an introverted person may lack some or all of them.
Agreeableness Vs. Antagonism
The agreeableness versus antagonism category is comprised of modesty (not showing off), altruism (warmth), trust (forgiving), tender-mindedness (sympathetic), straightforwardness (not demanding), and compliance. An agreeable individual presents these PTs, while an antagonistic person lacks such characteristics.
Conscientiousness Vs. Lack of Direction
Conscientiousness versus lack of direction includes achievement-orientated (thorough), dutifulness (not careless), order (organized), competence (efficient), deliberation (not impulsive), and self-discipline. A conscientious individual acquires these PTs, whereas a person who lacks direction may not be able to demonstrate such characteristics.
Neuroticism Vs. Emotional Stability
The neuroticism versus emotional stability classification involves vulnerability (not self-confident), anxiety (tense), impulsiveness (moody), depression (not contented), anger/hostility (irritable), and self-consciousness (shy). A neuroticism individual shows these negative characteristics. On the other hand, a person who is emotionally stable controls and suppresses such negative traits.
Openness Vs. Closeness
The openness versus closeness to experience category is comprised of fantasy (imaginative), actions (broad interests), ideas (curious), aesthetics (artistic), values (unconventional), and feelings (excitable). Individuals who are open to experiences share knowledge, adopt practical technologies, and learn from new situations.
How Personality Traits of Project Managers Impact Sustainable Development
The investigation indicates that there are five main categories of PTs among PMs that positively influence sustainable development. These are (1) extraversion, (2) agreeableness, (3) conscientiousness, (4) emotional stability, and (5) openness to experience. Accordingly, PMs who acquire these PTs have a higher potential to enhance sustainable development outcomes. Conversely, PMs who lack some or all of these PTs may experience challenges while dealing with SD projects.
Reference:
Hassan, A. (2023). Personality Traits and Sustainable Development Projects: A Literature Review of the Conceptual Framework for Project Managers. Journal of Human Resource and Sustainability Studies, 11(1), 14-31. https://doi.org/10.4236/jhrss.2023.111002
Dr. Afaf Kamal Hassan
Assistant Professor of Environmental Health and Safety
College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University