Conscientiousness is still the best but there are some other personalities

Promotions are among the most critical indicators of career success. Organizations actively seek to identify and develop potential leaders for roles that come with greater responsibilities. As such, identifying specific characteristics in individuals who are more likely to receive promotions has become an area of focus.

Individual differences, or personality traits, can often predict various life outcomes—such as mortality risk, likelihood of divorce, and career-related matters like promotions. Previous research has indicated that certain personality traits, particularly Emotional Stability and Conscientiousness, can predict whether an employee is likely to be promoted. However, different job levels, from entry-level to senior-level and managerial positions, may require varied personality traits specific to each level.

In a 2024 study led by Tobias Kordsmeyer from the University of Goettingen, Germany, the researchers aimed to examine whether personality traits can predict promotion across different job levels. Using data from the Five-Factor Personality Model for 1,774 employees in a large multinational retail company with branches in 20 countries across Europe and Asia, the study produced the following findings:

In general, employees promoted to higher positions tend to exhibit high Emotional Stability and Conscientiousness. Additionally, those who were promoted are often less trusting of others, less deferential, and have a strong drive, a perfectionistic outlook, and a vivid imagination.

For entry-level employees promoted to senior-level positions, Emotional Stability is a significant trait. However, when controlling for factors like gender, age, and country branch, Emotional Stability becomes less predictive, while Agreeableness emerges as an influential trait for promotion to senior positions. These employees tend not to agree easily with others, nor are they highly enthusiastic or resilient. Instead, they possess a strong drive, imagination, a preference for control, energy, and sociability.

Senior employees promoted to entry-level management roles tend to show Emotional Stability. However, these individuals also tend to be less trusting, with lower enthusiasm levels, but demonstrate high drive, imagination, and energy.

Lastly, for entry-level managers promoted to director-level positions, when controlling for factors like gender, age, and country, Conscientiousness becomes the key trait. These individuals are unlikely to interpret or respond negatively to situations, display a strong drive for success, and are methodical in their work, making them ideal candidates for promotion to director positions.

This research provides insights into the relationship between personality traits and the likelihood of promotion, though it does not claim that personality traits cause promotions. Instead, it reflects trends observed in individuals who receive promotions. One explanation for this phenomenon is that individuals with traits like Emotional Stability, Conscientiousness, and a cautious approach to trusting others—qualities that contribute to thoroughness in their work—tend to earn the trust of higher management for elevated roles.

Reference

Kordsmeyer, T. L., Speer, A. B., Wilms, R., & Kurz, R. (2024). Longitudinal effects of employees’ Big Five personality traits on internal promotions differentiated by job level in a multinational company. Journal of Business and Psychology, 39, 1049–1065.