Conscientiousness is a measure of a sense of duty, attention to detail, hard work, perseverance, cleanliness, efficiency, and respect for rules, norms, and processes. This trait describes how an individual controls, regulates, and directs their impulses. Impulses are not inherently bad: occasionally, time constraints require an immediate decision, and following our initial impulse can be an effective response; in a playful context, it can also be more fun.
Conscientious people implement their plans and establish and maintain order. The benefits of a strong conscientious character are evident. Conscientious individuals avoid trouble and succeed by identifying and planning their goals and maintaining their course of action. Conscientious people work until their work is done. They show perseverance to achieve their goals and dislike wasting time. They are unlikely to procrastinate (especially if they are also below average in neuroticism). If a conscientious person promises to do something, they are likely to follow through, even in troubled circumstances, without excuse. They are decisive, neat, organized, future-oriented, reliable, and not easily distracted. Conscientious people are likely to get better grades in academic environments (especially if they are also intelligent) and make good administrators and managers. They tend to put everything in its place and care about details. They want to do things by the book. Very conscientious people may be prone to feeling guilty (although they are likely to organize their lives in a way that leaves little room for guilt). Highly conscientious people are also likely to experience shame, disgust, and self-loathing. Very conscientious people may react badly to failure (especially if they are also above average in neuroticism). They are judgmental and easily disgusted by their own moral transgressions, as well as those of others. They feel shame and guilt when unemployed or unoccupied, even if it happens without them being responsible. Very conscientious people are also fundamentally attached to personal responsibility. They tend to believe that those who work hard should be rewarded and will be, and that those who do not deserve their failure. They are more concerned than average with hygiene, moral purity, and success. They may lean towards micromanagement and control. They are also perceived positively by others, as intelligent and reliable. On the negative side, they can be compulsive perfectionists and workaholics. Extremely conscientious people may be seen as dull and boring.
People with low scores on this trait are distracted, disorganized, struggle to find the motivation to accomplish their work and duties, are not bothered by unfinished tasks and lack of accuracy, and are disorganized in terms of their environment and schedule. However, people with low conscientiousness are often more spontaneous and playful, while high conscientiousness may predispose to work addiction and perfectionism. People with low conscientiousness may be perceived as colorful and playful, though they do not necessarily lack moral principles, but they apply them with less stringency, just as they are more laid-back in the efforts required to achieve their goals. It has been established that they are more hedonistic (McCrae, Costa & Busch, 1986). Some even accuse them of lacking ambition, being unreliable, and not respecting boundaries.
Conscientious people are more likely to be political conservatives rather than liberals (especially if they also have a low score in openness). Women are slightly more conscientious than men. The average percentile for women in the general population (women and men) is 51.5. For men, it is 49.5.
An organized project manager who meets deadlines, develops detailed plans, and is meticulous in managing tasks reflects high Conscientiousness.
A chronic procrastinator who struggles to meet deadlines, plan activities, and be disciplined in tasks demonstrates lower Conscientiousness.
A diligent student who dedicates time to research, follows a strict schedule for studies, and strives to achieve good grades reflects high Conscientiousness.
A disorganized individual who doesn't follow a schedule, neglects tasks and responsibilities, and struggles to maintain order demonstrates lower Conscientiousness.