Abstract
This study set out to investigate the relationship between the five-factor model factors of personality and job-hopping motives. The purpose of this study was to investigate (a) the relationship between job-hopping motives and the five-factor model of personality (FFM) and (b) the incremental validity of job-hopping motives on job search intensity after controlling for the five personality traits. In order to investigate the relationship, this study used a quantitative approach, as well as the Job-Hopping Motives Scale (JHM), Mini-IPIP, and the General Job Search Intensity Questionnaire (GJSI). This study was separated into two studies.
Study 1 sought to re-develop the GJSI due to possible psychometric limitations, as well as to ensure that it could be contextually valid. This study was separated into two sample groups. Sample 1 was split into two sub-parts: In the first, 13 professional experts identified which items of the GJSI were no longer considered relevant (e.g., looked for jobs using journals) and provided suggested items; in the second, the original and additional items were sent to the same professional experts to assess the content validity of the items. Once the items were measured, the shortlisted items were identified. These were then used in second sample. Sample 2 of the first sub-part focused on distributing the shortlisted items to 80 individuals (both employed and unemployed individuals, 18 years and older in order to further investigate the reliability and validity of the proposed items. The two samples combined revealed a result that developed 31 items for the GJSI.
Study 2 had a sample of 380 participants (all over the age of 18, from South Africa, and either employed or unemployed). The participants completed the Mini-IPIP, GJSI, and JHMS. The results showed that there is a relationship between Conscientiousness and the advancement motive. This suggests that an individual who scores high on Conscientiousness will be more motivated to leave their current job/organisation in pursuit of career advancement. Conscientiousness and the advancement motive were also related to job search intensity. Implications and recommendations for research and practice are presented.
Keywords: Mini-IPIP, General Job Search Intensity, Job-Hopping Motive, Five-Factor Model, turnover, personality.