The Relationship of Personality Traits and Self-Monitoring Behavior to Choice of Business Major

Abstract

In this article, the authors examine the relationship of personality traits and self-monitoring behavior to a student's choice of a business major. Using Cattell's 16 Personality Factor (16PF) questionnaire (1970, 1989) and Lennox and Wolfe's (1984) Revised Self-Monitoring Scale, undergraduate business students assessed their own personality traits. The test results among graduating seniors at several universities showed that student personalities and self-monitoring behavior differed according to major and in ways largely upheld by general perception and stereotyping. The suggested profiles serve to direct discussion of business programs, pedagogy, and career success based on student personality and interpersonal behavior.