Extroverts vs Introverts – who makes a better employee?

New study lists four key advantages of being social at work

Researchers have narrowed down four key advantages that extroverts enjoy in the workplace.

A recent study pointed out that while there had been ample dialogue over the advantages and disadvantages of being an extroverted employee, it often overlooked scientific literature, reported Hindustan Times. A typical extrovert is talkative, outgoing, takes charge, expresses positive emotions and enjoys seeking out new experiences. By comparison, a typical introvert is quiet, emotionally reserved, less energetic and harder to get to know.

The study, published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, offered a comprehensive review of existing research relating to extroversion and work-related variables. These (165 in total) included things like motivation, work-life balance, emotional well-being and performance. Supporting data was taken from studies across different countries, occupations and career moments like education, job application and job evaluations.



The researchers found that higher extroversion was desirable for 90% of variables, which suggests a small but persistent advantage in the workplace. It was in four categories that extroverts enjoy a distinct advantage: motivation, emotions, interpersonal skills and performance. “These really capture the strongest positive effects of extroversion at work,” said study author Wilmot, who focuses on how firms use personality measures to solve workplace challenges.

Extroversion is linked with a greater motivation and is closely associated with experiencing positive emotions more regularly. A happy employee is not only more satisfied with life but also tends to work harder and be a better leader, study suggests. They also take less work stress.  Also, being social, extroverts tend to adapt better to different situations and are good at persuasion – a strong leadership skill. The fourth advantage was in job performance.

But Wilmot said this does not mean that introverts are at an inevitable disadvantage. There are also numerous other characteristics that contribute to workplace success, including cognitive ability, conscientiousness and the ability to regulate negative emotions.

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