Conscientiousness

What is conscientiousness?

Conscientiousness is one of the five traits in the Big Five model of personality. It is about self-control, order and effort. People who score high tend to plan ahead, keep their things in order, keep their promises and work hard toward their goals. People who score low are more relaxed and spontaneous. They keep their options open and adapt fast when plans change, but routines, deadlines and a tidy desk can be a struggle.

The word is long, but the idea is simple: how much you do what you set out to do. It is not the same as being clever or being a good person. A low scorer can be very bright and very kind. They often work in bursts, and they may need outside help, such as reminders and deadlines, to stay on track.

What does high conscientiousness look like?

• Plans aheadYou make lists, use a calendar and like to know what comes next.
• Finishes tasksOnce you start something, you push through the dull parts and get it done.
• Keeps orderYou like a tidy room, neat notes and a place for everything.
• Keeps promisesPeople can count on you to turn up on time and do what you said you would.
• Thinks before actingYou weigh things up before you choose, so you rarely act on a whim.

What does low conscientiousness look like?

• Goes with the flowYou like to keep plans loose and see what happens.
• Adapts fastWhen plans change, you switch easily and don’t mind a bit of mess.
• Works in burstsYou often get a lot done close to a deadline, and less before it.
• Relaxed about orderA messy desk doesn’t bother you, though you may lose track of small things.
• Decides on the spotYou choose quickly and enjoy saying yes to last-minute plans.

What are the facets of conscientiousness?

Each Big Five trait breaks down into smaller parts called facets. Our full test scores 6 facets of Conscientiousness, four statements each. The names in brackets are the research labels.

Confidence in your skills (Self-Efficacy)

How sure you are that you can get things done, and done well.

Tidiness (Orderliness)

How much you like order, neat spaces and set routines.

Keeping your word (Dutifulness)

How strongly you feel you must keep your promises and follow the rules.

Drive (Achievement-Striving)

How hard you work and how high you aim.

Self-discipline (Self-Discipline)

How easily you start a task and keep going when it gets boring.

Thinking before acting (Cautiousness)

How carefully you weigh things up before you act.

Is it better to be high or low in conscientiousness?

Studies find that, on average, higher Conscientiousness goes with somewhat better grades and better job performance. That makes sense: turning up, planning and finishing all help. But a low score is not a life sentence. Habits and tools, such as a planner, a study timetable or a friend who checks in, can do much of what the trait does.

Very high scorers have risks too. They may find it hard to relax, struggle when plans fall apart or push themselves too hard. Lower scorers often shine when things change fast and quick thinking matters more than a perfect plan.

Can your conscientiousness score change?

Yes, slowly. On average, Conscientiousness rises from the late teens through middle age, as people take on jobs, homes and families. Many people find they become more organized as their lives fill up with things that need doing.

Which personality types are high in conscientiousness?

On this site, your Conscientiousness score sets the fourth letter of your type code. A score of 50 or more gives J (Planner). A score under 50 gives P (Improviser).