Personality Traits and Willingness to Communicate in Context among ESL Learners

This study determined which domain of students' personality traits best influence their willingness to communicate in context. The study employed a quantitative, non-experimental research design using a correlational technique. The respondents were the 323 Grade 9 students of School 304359, selected using the stratified quota sampling procedure. The statistical tools used in this study include mean, Pearson’s r and regression analysis. Moreover, adapted survey questionnaires were used to assess the extent of manifestation of personality traits and willingness to communicate in context. Results showed that all indicators of personality traits were high and the level of willingness to communicate in context was moderate. Furthermore, data revealed a significant relationship between the personality traits of students and their willingness to communicate in context, specifically extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, openness to experience, and neuroticism (talking in meetings, small groups, and dyads). However, there was no significant relationship between neuroticism and willingness to communicate in public speaking. Among the domains, extraversion was the best influencer of willingness to communicate in context.