Experimental evidence for the effects of a continuous improvement environment versus a mechanical environment on routines based on conscientiousness

Abstract

This research states that a continuous improvement environment (CIE), unlike a mechanical one, may help workers to voluntarily incorporate new routines based on conscientiousness. Moreover, these routines could help humans to improve themselves in some key character traits related to worker performance. A laboratory experiment in a simulated pen factory was carried out. Participants were categorised into two treatments: a CIE and a mechanical work environment. The results show that new routines based on conscientiousness were incorporated by all participants, both with low and high conscientiousness levels. Therefore, important implications about the effect of a CIE in the improvement of personality traits could be deduced. The result is relevant for explaining a cross-interaction between a CIE and personal habits based on conscientiousness. Therefore, firms have to think about job designs with conscientiousness requirements, namely competence, order, dutifulness, achievement-striving, self-discipline and deliberation using CIE as a means.