The authors used 91 sales representatives to test a process model that assessed the relationship of
conscientiousness to job performance through mediating motivational (goal-setting) variables. Linear
structural equation modeling showed that sales representatives high in conscientiousness are
more likely to set goals and are more likely to be committed to goals, which in turn is associated with
greater sales volume and higher supervisory ratings of job performance. Results also showed that
conscientiousness is directly related to supervisory ratings. Consistent with previous research, results
showed that ability was also related to supervisory ratings of job performance and, to a lesser extent,
sales volume. Contrary to expectations, 1 other personality construct, extraversion, was not related
to sales volume or to supervisory ratings of job performance. Implications and future research needs
are discussed.