An investigation of the effect of extroverted and introverted personalities on knowledge acquisition techniques

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to explore the relationship between personality traits (introversion versus extroversion) and knowledge acquisition (KA) techniques. Design/methodology/approach The major methodology of the current study is survey. Results are based on 152 usable responses provided by experts in different industries including electronic, communication, information technology, computer and biology. The major analytical technique used is Pearson correlation analysis. Findings According to the results, there are significant relationships between personality traits (i.e. introversion versus extroversion) and KA techniques. Research limitations/implications This study was conducted on data from 152 Iranian experts which limits the generalizability of the results. This limitation can be addressed by future studies conducting similar studies on cross-country samples. Further, due to the analytical technique adopted in this study, causality implications cannot be drawn from the results. Originality/value This study reveals linkages between personality traits (i.e. introversion versus extroversion) and KA techniques. Results shed light on the KA process for both scholars and practitioners involved in KA programs in the organizations.