Personality and Interpersonal Influence: Low Adjustment and Low Competitiveness is Associated With Low Assertiveness.

This study investigates the relationship between work-related personality traits, measured by the High Potential Trait Indicator (HPTI), and four interpersonal communication styles—Assertiveness, Passiveness, Hostile aggression, and Manipulative aggression—assessed via the Interpersonal Influence Inventory (III). Among 396 working adults, assertiveness was primarily associated with the personality trait Risk Approach (Courage), while aggressive styles correlated with low Adjustment (high Neuroticism), low Conscientiousness, and high Competitiveness (low Agreeableness). Passive behavior was linked to low Adjustment, Risk Approach, Ambiguity Acceptance, and Competitiveness. The findings suggest distinct personality profiles underlie different interpersonal styles, highlighting the potential for targeted assertiveness training, especially for individuals exhibiting less adaptive communication patterns.