The Impact of Costa & McCrae’s Big Five Personality Traits on Academic Motivation of Part-time Employed Undergraduates

Undergraduates differ in their level of motivation, learning styles, and individual educational preferences. Identifying the relationship between the Big Five personality traits and academic motivation may be central to uplifting the academic motivation of undergraduates towards a higher level of achievement. The objective of the study is to identify the impact of Big Five personality traits namely Neuroticism, Agreeableness, Extraversion, Conscientiousness, and Openness to Experience on academic motivation of Part-time employed undergraduates in University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Since education is the key for most individuals to succeed in their lives, this study contains important information for academic staff to produce high-quality and powerful leaders. Productive graduates will empower the country by bringing new businesses, new technology, new wealth, and ultimately economic growth. Therefore, this study is important not only to undergraduates but also to the growth of the country.