Interview data from 120 professionals and managers, collected by telephone after they experienced a job change, were matched with personality test scores from an employment testing center. Four dimensions of psychological empowerment (self-determination, meaning, competence, and impact) were tested as criteria, and four personality traits (achievement, endurance, locus of control, and self-esteem), measured prior to the job change, were used as predictors. In a multiple regression analysis the personality traits accounted for 26% of the variance in overall empowerment, and locus of control emerged as an important antecedent. Additional analyses pointed to perceived managerial support, sex, and rank as possible moderators. Ideas for further research and theoretical extension are discussed.
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