Proactive personality as a moderator of outcomes for young workers experiencing conflict at work

Young workers experiencing interpersonal conflict at work have been known to report decreased well-being, job satisfaction and school performance. This study examined how these relationships may be moderated by the student’s proactive personality wherein those high on the trait are more opportunity seeking and take-charge in style. We examined two possible moderator predictions (models). One model proposes that those high on the proactive personality trait will show signs of positive well-being and performance outcomes because of the steadfast orientation of the trait. The second model suggests that because of the frustrating elements associated with interpersonal conflict, those high on proactive personality may instead report lower well-being and performance. In a sample of 107 students balancing school and work, it was found that proactive personality moderates the impact of interpersonal conflicts. Consistent with the latter model, those reporting to be high on the trait seem to fare worse on strain associated with school and work, job satisfaction as well as showing lower grades at school. No difference is noted in their overall well-being outside of the work-school context.