MEASURING HOW OPENNESS TO EXPERIENCE RELATES TO ELECTORAL BEHAVIOUR AMONG SENIOR NON-TEACHING EMPLOYEES OF NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Democratic elections have historically attracted a larger number of participants, leading politicians and incumbent governments to seek an understanding of personality traits that guarantee unwavering support from voters. This study specifically focuses on how openness to experience relates to electoral behaviour among senior non-teaching employees of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. This research aims to investigate whether openness to experience predicts electoral behaviour among senior non-teaching employees of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. A total of 133 non-teaching employees volunteered to participate in the study and were randomly selected. Data was collected using two instruments: the Electoral Behavior Scale and the Openness to Experience dimension of the Personality Trait Inventory. The study adopted a correlational design and the data were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment and Linear Regression Statistics. The results F (1,131) =.398, P <.05, indicated a positive and significant relationship between openness to experience and electoral behaviour among senior non-teaching employees of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. This suggests that individuals with a higher degree of openness to experience are more likely to exhibit favourable electoral behaviour. This study adds to the subject area by highlighting the importance of openness to experience as a predictor of electoral behaviour. By identifying this personality trait, politicians and stakeholders can focus on increasing awareness of electoral perceptions among individuals with high openness to experience, ultimately leading to an increased gain in electoral support necessary for successful election outcomes.   Keywords: Electoral-Behaviour, Employees, Non-Teaching, Openness-to-Experience