The relationship between personality traits, management control systems, and organizational commitment : a multifirm study

Abstract: Management control research has often focused on finding the right fit between management control systems and the unique situational context of organizations, but few studies have examined the role of individual personality traits. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to provide a better understanding about the relationship between the Big Five personality traits, management control systems and organizational commitment. We addressed the research gap regarding how the interaction between the Big Five personality traits and management control systems may affect organizational commitment. To answer the research questions, data was collected using a web survey, which was analyzed in statistical software. In total, 103 responses from managers across 30 Swedish companies, were obtained. Our findings indicate that the interaction of the personality trait conscientiousness and results control, and the interaction of the personality trait agreeableness, and cultural control may affect organizational commitment. Based on these findings, theoretical and practical implications are discussed.