Personality Traits as Predictors of Loss Aversion and Status Quo Bias in Public Procurement Professionals

Dba Thomas Kamara () and Scott E. Dunbar ()

International Journal of Public Policy and Administration, 2025, vol. 7, issue 1, 42 - 67

Abstract: Purpose: This study examines whether personality traits (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) predict loss aversion and status quo bias among public procurement professionals. These biases can lead to suboptimal decision-making, including attachment to inefficient systems, vendors, and procurement practices. Methodology: A personally administered survey was conducted with 350 public procurement professionals. Correlation analyses were used to explore relationships between personality traits and the dependent variables (loss aversion and status quo bias). Multiple regression analysis was employed to determine the predictive power of personality traits on these biases. Findings: The results indicate that personality traits significantly predict loss aversion and status quo bias among public procurement professionals. Specifically, individuals with high neuroticism and conscientiousness scores are more prone to these biases. However, the study found no significant moderating effect of loss aversion on the relationship between personality traits and status quo bias. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy, and Practice: This study contributes to the literature by integrating personality psychology with public procurement decision-making. The findings highlight the need to consider individual personality differences in procurement training and hiring practices. Policymakers can use these insights to design interventions that mitigate cognitive biases, such as tailored training programs and structured evaluation frameworks, promoting more objective procurement decisions. Additionally, organizations can leverage personality assessments to optimize team dynamics and reduce the impact of subconscious biases in bid evaluations.

Keywords: Cognitive Biases; Public Procurement; Personality traits; Loss Aversion; Status Quo Bias; Prospect Theory. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bhx:oijppa:v:7:y:2025:i:1:p:42-67:id:2616

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