Effect of Personality Traits on Decision-Making Process among Federal and State University Students in Enugu State, Nigeria

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  • May 28, 2026
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Agu, Loretta Anayo1 &  Agu, Peter Emeka2

Abstract         

This study examines the effect of personality traits on the decision-making process among Federal and State university students in Enugu State, Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted, with data collected from 387 undergraduate students using a structured questionnaire. The study focused on the five major personality traits: openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, neuroticism, and agreeableness, and how each influences students’ decision-making behaviors. The findings revealed that 53.4% of students are open to new academic opportunities, with many indicating a moderate willingness to consider unconventional or creative options in their decisions. A majority (72.4%) of students reported planning ahead for academic tasks, indicating high conscientiousness. Regarding extraversion, 64.0% of respondents expressed a willingness to engage in academic or social opportunities, while 65.2% indicated that they often make decisions based on social interactions. Despite these positive trends, 34.1% of students displayed uncertainty in their decision-making abilities, often linked to high levels of neuroticism. The study concludes that personality traits significantly influence university students’ decision-making processes, with traits such as conscientiousness and extraversion facilitating effective decision-making, while neuroticism may hinder confident and deliberate choices. Recommendations include personalized academic counseling, decision-making workshops, and targeted interventions for students with higher neuroticism to improve decision-making outcomes and academic success.

Keywords:  Personality traits, Decision-making Process, Risk-taking behaviour, Openness to experience, Neuroticism.

Cite: Agu, L. A. &  Agu, P. E. (2026). Effect of Personality Traits on Decision-Making Process among Federal and State University Students in Enugu State, Nigeria. International Journal of Organizational Intelligence and Systems,4 (2), 86 – 99.  https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20367989 

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