Covariation between personality trait and work values preferences of businesspersons in small businesses

Individual personality and work values are among the determinants associated with success in business. Individuals high in Machiavellian disposition are more likely to succeed in business ventures because they posses high motivation to succeed, are more assertive, and have superb negotiation skills. Individuals with positive work values in terms of achieving desired social status, attitudes towards earnings, upward striving, activity preference, job involvement, and pride in work were also found to be successful in their business endeavor. This paper explores Machiavellianism personality and work values orientations, and the relationship between these variables among Malaysian Malays in small businesses. A total of 191 Malay businesspersons responded to two sets of questionnaires namely; Mach IV scale and Wollack et al. work values scale. The finding shows Malay businesspersons score moderately on the Mach IV scale and five of six work values. Correlations between Machiavellianism personality and dimensions within the work values scale were also discussed.