Investigating Nonlinear Conscientiousness-Job Performance Relations for Clerical Employees

In this study we tested for a nonlinear relation between Conscientiousness and job performance using two independent samples of clerical employees (N=192, and N=203, respectively). Based on several characteristics of clerical positions, we expected that Conscientiousness would be asymptotically related to job performance. In Study 1, we found evidence of a nonlinear relation using biodata and situational judgment items to measure Conscientiousness. In Study 2, we found similar results using a traditional Conscientiousness measure and controlling for cognitive ability. We discuss the implications for using Conscientiousness to select clerical employees.