PERSONALITY TRAITS OF LEADERS IN SINGAPORE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Abstract

The study investigated the personality traits and leadership style of construction project leaders. The specific objectives are to: examine the leadership styles adopted by and the personality traits of construction project leaders; association between these two constructs; and recommend a leadership style for specific personality traits of construction project leaders. The research adopted a 2-pronged approach: a quantitative phase, where data were collected from a questionnaire survey, and a qualitative phase, where in-depth interviews were conducted to explain the quantitative findings. Personality construct was investigated using the five-factor model (Big Five), and Blake and Mouton’s Managerial Grid was to determine the leadership style. Data was analyzed via Pearson Correlation Analysis, T-test, and one sample T-test. Results indicated that leaders in Singapore’s construction industry adopt ‘Team Leader’ leadership styles. In terms of personality, they have significantly high Openness to experience, Extraversion, Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, and low Neuroticism. The study found that to be an efficient leader in the construction industry, leaders will need broad knowledge, good foresight and sufficient practice as a leader. Therefore, the construction industry is encouraged to provide leadership advancement opportunities to older leaders who exhibit high Conscientiousness and Agreeableness as individuals with such qualities are shown to be efficient leaders.

It was also found out that there is significant correlation between demographic characteristics and leaders’ personalities. Senior leaders exhibit high Extraversion, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness personalities as compared to junior leaders. Those with more years in the construction industry are more Agreeable, Conscientious and less Neurotic. Similarly, those with more experience as leaders exhibit high Agreeableness, Conscientiousness and low Neuroticism as compared to those with less experience as leaders.