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Big Five Personality Traits and Locus of Control: Challenges and Uses in the Global South

Author

Listed:
  • Arnaud Natal

    (BSE (University of Bordeaux, CNRS, and INRAE), French Institute of Pondicherry (IFP))

  • Christophe Jalil Nordman

    (IRD, LEDa-DIAL (IRD, CNRS, and PSL Research University), France, IFP (Pondicherry, India))

Abstract

This paper examines the role of personality traits-specifically the Big Five and locus of control-in shaping economic outcomes in countries of the Global South. While such traits have been extensively studied in OECD contexts, they remain underexplored in Global South settings where most of the world’s population resides. The article reviews how personality traits are measured in diverse cultural contexts, their associations with economic outcomes, and the structural and individual-level factors that shape them. It also evaluates evidence on the effectiveness of interventions aimed at altering personality traits. Findings suggest that traits like conscientiousness, emotional stability, and an internal locus of control are positively linked to improved economic performance and adaptive behaviours, and that these traits are malleable to varying degrees. The paper concludes by highlighting policy implications and research priorities, including the need for longitudinal studies, culturally valid measurement tools, and integrated development strategies that address both psychological and structural determinants of well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Arnaud Natal & Christophe Jalil Nordman, 2026. "Big Five Personality Traits and Locus of Control: Challenges and Uses in the Global South," Working Papers DT/2026/03, DIAL (Développement, Institutions et Mondialisation).
    • Handle: RePEc:dia:wpaper:dt202603
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D14 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Saving; Personal Finance
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • E24 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Employment; Unemployment; Wages; Intergenerational Income Distribution; Aggregate Human Capital; Aggregate Labor Productivity
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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