Individual Differences Research

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Individual Differences Research > Volume 9, Issue 4 (2011) > 238-249

Personality Traits and Career Satisfaction of Accounting Professionals

Jacob J. Levy, John D. Richardson, John W. Lounsbury, Destin Stewart, Lucy W. Gibson, Adam W. Drost

Abstract

The present study investigated personality traits in relation to the career satisfaction of accountants. In a sample of 684 accounting professionals, all of the Big Five traits (Agreeableness/Teamwork, Conscientiousness, Emotional Stability, Extraversion, and Openness) and four narrow traits (Assertiveness, Customer-Service Orientation, Optimism, and Work Drive) were significantly related to Career Satisfaction. Personality comparisons were also made between accountants and other professionals. Practical implications were discussed.