European Project Management Journal | 2026
Authors: Shoushtari S.M.H.E.; Anvari M.R.A.
DOI: 10.56889/cejj9634
Journal: European Project Management Journal
Year: 2026
Publisher: IPMA Serbia
Document Type: Article
Open Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access
Cited by: 0
The present study aims to provide a comprehensive meta-analysis of the impact of project managers’ personality traits on project success. In this regard, five personality traits from the Five-Factor Model-extraversion, conscientiousness, openness, agreeableness, and neuroticism-were examined, and the effect of each trait on project success was analyzed. Based on a systematic review of studies published between 2010 and April 2025, this research synthesized 35 effect sizes derived from nine different studies, analyzing data from a sample of 1,409 individuals. The findings indicate that project managers’ traits of extraversion, conscientiousness, openness to experience, and agreeableness have a significant positive impact on project success, whereas neuroticism has a significant negative impact. These results underscore the critical role of project managers’ personality traits in determining project success and can serve as a robust foundation for future research in this field. Furthermore, the findings offer valuable insights for the selection and development of project managers within organizations. Copyright © 2026, The Authors.
Five-factor personality model; Meta-analysis; Project managers; Project success