Predicting Task Performance of Administrative Staff in Small and Medium Enterprises in Shijiazhuang City Based on Conscientiousness, Extraversion, and Neuroticism

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are crucial drivers of regional economic development, where the task performance of administrative staff directly impacts operational efficiency. The relationship between the Big Five and job performance is wel l established in general contexts. A major gap persists in literature regarding the prediction of specific traits (Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Neuroticism) among administrative personnel of SMEs in a particular Chinese region context-for example, Shijiazhuang. This study investigates 180 administrative staff members from SMEs in Shijiazhuang using a questionnaire survey. The NEO-FFI scale measured personality traits, while a supervisor-rated scale assessed task performance. Data analysis using SPSS 26.0 revealed that Conscientiousness significantly positively predicts task performance (β = .35, p < .001), and Neuroticism significantly negatively predicts it (β = -.28, p < .001). In contrast, Extraversion did not demonstrate a significant predictive effect (β = .07, p = .164). These findings underscore the paramount importance of Conscientiousness and Emotional Stability for administrative effectiveness in SMEs, providing empirical evidence to inform localized human resource practices in recruitment and development.