Psychological functions related to high work performance (results) and longevity

The personality traits that are important for work performance have been identified through research using the Big Five personality assessment, a globally trusted personality test. Furthermore, it has been found that four of the five Big Five personality traits correlate with the psychological functions of the 16-type psychology (MBTI).

↑Table: Correlation between the 16 personality types (≒MBTI) and the Big Five personality traits↑

↑Table: Correlation between psychological function (cognitive function) and the Big Five personality traits↑

Numerous studies have revealed correlations between the five Big Five personality traits and work performance. The following is a list of the correlation coefficients (increased strength of relationship), ordered from highest to lowest. (A value closer to 1 indicates a closer relationship.)

• Conscientiousness: 0.22 ← Exceptionally important for getting work done.
• Extraversion: 0.13 ← Particularly important for sales and management positions.
• Neurotic tendency: 0.08
• Cooperativeness: 0.07
• Openness: 0.04

Conscientiousness is shown in the table "Correlation between 16 types (≒MBTI) and the Big Five" and "Correlation between psychological function (cognitive function) and the Big Five".High level of integrityAs you can see from the comparison, those whose primary function (dominant function) is judging tend to have higher conscientiousness (⇔ those whose primary function is perceiving tend to have lower conscientiousness).

• List of decision-making functions ↓
  • Extraverted Feeling (Fe)
  • Introverted Feeling (Fi)
  • Extraverted Thinking (Te)
  • Introverted Thinking (Ti)

for example,Extraverted Feeling (Fe)That is the primary function.ENFJ(Collaborator type)とESFJ(Sociable type)や
Introverted Feeling (Fi)That is the primary function.INFP(Psychologist type)とISFP(Artist type)Looking at the table, "Correlation between 16 Types (≒MBTI) and the Big Five," we can see that conscientiousness has a high correlation.
*Note that this has nothing to do with the letters J or P in the type!

Honesty is "To be able to set goals, make plans, discipline oneself, and work diligently with a sense of responsibility without giving up.This refers to the "factor." To put it more simply, it's the trait of "working diligently, persistently, and steadily." It makes sense that this is the most important factor (trait) for achieving work performance (results), doesn't it? Because if you give up halfway through, you can't accomplish anything.

Next, let's consider the important factor of extraversion. It's natural that higher extraversion leads to better work performance in professions and occupations where interpersonal interaction is crucial.

The relationship between honesty and longevity

In fact, high integrity is not only crucial for achieving work performance (results). Surprisingly, it's the factor most strongly correlated with lifespan. In other words, high integrity leads to a longer life. High integrity makes it easier to predict things like "not staying up too late and brushing your teeth before bed," which naturally contributes to better health. Furthermore, high integrity can help you control yourself, such as not speeding while driving.

Other factors known to contribute to longevity are "openness" and "agreeableness." Conversely, unfortunately, a strong "neurotic tendency" is associated with a shorter lifespan. Since the sub-characteristics (facets) of neurotic tendency include "anxiety, anger, depression, and vulnerability," it's no surprise that this leads to a shorter lifespan. In other words, as has been said for a long time, it is important to "think optimistically and live a life that doesn't accumulate stress."

Can integrity be cultivated?

So, in the 16-type personality assessment, is it hopeless if you have low conscientiousness, low agreeableness, and high neuroticism? That's simply in comparison to other types at this point in time. In fact, research from the University of Illinois has shown that as people age, conscientiousness and agreeableness increase (they become more diligent and hardworking than when they were younger, and more considerate of others), and neuroticism decreases (they feel less anxiety, anger, and frustration than when they were younger, and their emotions become more stable). Therefore, simply put, they become more capable at work than when they were younger, and naturally, they live longer.

Of course, this is simply the result of examining the average of a group, so what's truly important is to cultivate honesty in everyday life (working diligently and steadily) and eliminate neurotic tendencies (being in an environment where you don't accumulate stress as much as possible and making an effort to think optimistically). That's about all that psychology can say; the rest is up to the individual.

That's right, several studies have shown that people who believe everything is up to them tend to earn higher wages. So, why not take a leap of faith and embrace the idea that "you only live once, and everything is up to you!" and give it a try?