The Big Five and dark triad personality traits as predictors of emotional labour

Emotional labour is expected, especially from service sector employees, to ensure customer satisfaction and meet corporate expectations. Previous studies have mainly focused on the effects of emotional labour on employees. Few studies have examined its predictors in terms of personality traits. In the present study, the predictive levels of the Big Five and dark triad traits on emotional labour were examined possibly for the first time.

Four hundred and seventy-three service sector employees participated in the research. Data were collected using an online survey comprising questions relating to the Big Five personality traits, dark triad personality traits, emotional labour and personal (demographic) information. Descriptive statistics, internal consistency test, Pearson's correlation and hierarchical regression were used to analyse the data.

According to the findings, Machiavellianism was the strongest predictor of surface acting, and agreeableness was the strongest predictor of deep acting and naturally felt emotions. Narcissism was found to be a predictor of surface acting.

As a result of examining the Big Five and dark triad traits in predicting emotional labour styles, the fact that agreeableness predicted deep acting and naturally felt emotions suggests that agreeableness should be given closer attention in recruitment and promotion decisions, especially in the service sector.