The Two Facets of Conscientiousness: Interaction of Achievement Orientation and Dependability in Predicting Managerial Execution Effectiveness

Abstract

The two facets of conscientiousness, achievement orientation and dependability, have frequently been found to relate to performance outcomes in different manners. However, little research has examined the interaction between these two facets. In this article we examine the main effect and interaction of these two facets in predicting managerial execution. Using two separate samples of Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) students (N = 167 in Study 1 and N = 269 in Study 2), we found that dependability but not achievement orientation had a direct positive association with coworkers’ rating on managerial execution. More important, there was an interaction effect between these two facets. Dependability was strongly associated with execution among managers with high achievement orientation, but not among managers with low achievement orientation.