Self-monitoring personality at work: a meta-analytic investigation of construct validity

J Appl Psychol. 2002 Apr;87(2):390-401. doi: 10.1037/0021-9010.87.2.390.

Abstract

The validity of self-monitoring personality in organizational settings was examined. Meta-analyses were conducted (136 samples; total N = 23,191) investigating the relationship between self-monitoring personality and work-related variables, as well as the reliability of various self-monitoring measures. Results suggest that self-monitoring has relevance for understanding many organizational concerns, including job performance and leadership emergence. Sample-weighted mean differences favoring male respondents were also noted, suggesting that the sex-related effects for self-monitoring may partially explain noted disparities between men and women at higher organizational levels (i.e., the glass ceiling). Theory building and additional research are needed to better understand the construct-related inferences about self-monitoring personality, especially in terms of the performance, leadership, and attitudes of those at top organizational levels.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control*
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Organizational Culture*
  • Personality Tests / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychometrics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Self-Assessment*