Which of the following statements is NOT accurately paired with its typical workplace implication for the Big Five traits?

• A. Openness predicts creativity.
• B. Conscientiousness best predicts performance.
• C. Extraversion relates to leadership and teamwork.
• D. Neuroticism enhances resilience under stress.

Answer: (D)

Understanding how the Big Five map to workplace outcomes helps explain why certain trait–outcome links are observed in organizations. Openness is linked to creativity because people high in Openness tend to seek out new experiences, generate ideas, and think flexibly, which fuels creative problem solving. Conscientiousness best predicts performance since reliable, organized, and goal-directed individuals tend to carry tasks through with persistence and quality across many roles. Extraversion relates to leadership and teamwork because sociable, assertive individuals often take initiative in groups, communicate effectively, and energize team interactions, which supports leadership emergence and collaborative success. Neuroticism, on the other hand, does not enhance resilience under stress. Higher Neuroticism is associated with greater stress reactivity and negative emotions, which can undermine coping and adaptability, whereas resilience is more closely tied to emotional stability and effective coping strategies.