Work motivation determines how hard one is willing to work in order to reach a desired goal. It measures the individual´s internal motivation, the inner drive to succeed and perform well. If a person is genuinely engaged in his or her work, that person will usually perform well.

Even if there are exceptions, this factor is an expression of the will or ambition to present results – regardless of what type of profession or the reward they receive. Generally, this is an important factor for predicting the performance of the individual or the group. One could say that this factor reflects the individual´s ”competitive instincts”.

Self-confidence is about individuals´ basic belief in themselves and their ability. They readily take on new tasks and challenges. People with high self-confidence often have a strong personality and can sometimes be considered as self-aware, or even self-righteous. In a positive sense they are very conscious of their ability and what they can deliver. In a social context they are secure and ”take their place” in a natural way. In a negative sense the person can be considered to be overly self-sufficient. This can lead to the person acting insensitively towards coworkers or colleagues.

Emotionally stable people tend to be well-adjusted and generally function well in society. Conversely, people with different types of personal problems will also be more emotionally instable and often have difficulty adapting. Perhaps they´re depressed, nervous or anxious. These people often have a low scores on this factor. The correlation has been shown through several different research projects over the years.

People with a high score are emotionally stable. They are usually temperate, relaxed in social surroundings and don´t get easily upset or worried in social situations. This is obviously a factor for success in most professions, especially at the strategic level. The greater risk there is for insecurity and pressured situations at work, the more important it is to be emotionally stable.

Conscientiousness describes how focused the individual is on planning and reaching an established goal. It describes how conscientious, dutiful or diligent people perceive themselves in comparison with others.

In psychological research, in particular psychodynamic theory, it´s mostly about people with impulse control. Individuals with great self-control aren´t run by impulses. Instead they are planning, controlling, and well-organized, both in thought and in action. Sometimes the term is replaced with ”drive”, initiative, or power of action.

Agreeable people are usually considered as being friendly and easily garner sympathy. They have an ease for helping others, don´t seek conflict or confrontation. Basically, agreeable people are altruistic, ”warm” or cooperation-oriented, and expect others to act the same way toward them. Contrarily, people with a low score on this factor are often more confrontational, antagonistic or egocentric.

In a positive context they are most often more competitive. Of course friendly people are more popular and appreciated. On the other hand it´s not sure whether they are better at their profession. The will to stand up for their – or the company´s- interests, as well as being critical, skeptical and inquisitive. This can be valuable in, for example, negotiations or great restructuring projects.

People with a critical disposition, can also be better at rational analysis and calculating thought. They are more task- than people-oriented.

Extraversion measures how social and extroverted the individual is. It describes how self-confident, talkative and active that person regards his or her personality. It´s easy to see that extroverted people more naturally find a place and dominate in a group when it comes to discussions and decision-making. They want to be included to make an effect and give their opinions.

Depending on the work assignments and management level this is a vital factor for success. Similarly it´s naturally important that, for example, a salesman has an extroverted disposition, as it is for all professions with frequent contact with clients and where one actively has to reach other people.