How Personality Impacts Your Relationship with Authority

2 June 2025

When was the last time you obeyed a rule without question? Or better yet, when was the last time you broke one just for the thrill of it? Your personality plays a massive role in how you interact with authority, whether it's your boss, parents, teachers, or even government officials. Some people thrive under structure and guidance, while others see rules as mere suggestions (or outright challenges).

So, what makes you a rule-follower or a rebellious spirit? Let’s dive into how different personality traits shape our relationship with authority figures.

Personality and Authority: A Complex Dance

Personality isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Some folks are naturally cooperative, while others have an instinctive urge to challenge the status quo. Psychologists have spent decades trying to figure out why we react differently to authority. Turns out, your personality traits have a massive influence on how you perceive and respond to authority figures in your life.

To keep things fun and digestible, let’s break it down using the Big Five Personality Traits, one of the most widely accepted models in psychology.

The Big Five Personality Traits and Authority

1. Conscientiousness – The Rule Follower

If you’re highly conscientious, chances are you respect authority and value rules. You’re the type who double-checks if they dotted every ‘i’ and crossed every ‘t’. People with high conscientiousness tend to:

- Follow rules diligently
- Respect hierarchy and structure
- Thrive in organized environments
- Prefer clear guidelines and expectations

You might be the office MVP, always hitting deadlines and following protocol without question. To you, authority isn't an oppressive force—it’s a necessary structure that keeps things running smoothly.

On the flip side, if you're on the lower end of conscientiousness, you might find rules restrictive and unnecessary. Deadlines? More like suggestions. Authority? Meh, you'd rather do things your own way.

2. Agreeableness – The People Pleaser

Are you the kind of person who avoids conflict at all costs? If so, you probably score high in agreeableness. Agreeable individuals tend to respect authority because they value harmony and positive relationships. Instead of challenging rules, they’re more likely to:

- Comply to avoid tension
- Trust authority figures easily
- Seek approval from leaders or authority figures
- Act as mediators in difficult situations

However, too much agreeableness can be a double-edged sword. If you're always saying "yes" just to keep the peace, you might find yourself stuck in situations where authority figures take advantage of your accommodating nature.

On the other hand, those low in agreeableness? Well, they’re not afraid to ruffle some feathers. If something feels unfair, they’ll speak up—even if it means going against authority.

3. Neuroticism – The Anxious Complier (or Defiant Rebel)

Neuroticism is all about emotional stability (or instability). People high in neuroticism might have a complicated relationship with authority. They often:

- Feel anxious about breaking rules
- Fear consequences and criticism from authority figures
- Struggle with confidence in challenging authority
- Overthink everything (seriously, everything)

For some, this anxiety leads to strict rule-following. They don’t want to get in trouble, so they follow authority to a T.

But here’s the twist—others with high neuroticism might react differently. If they feel wronged or controlled, their emotional response can lead them to actively defy authority out of sheer frustration. Ever had a boss micromanage you into a meltdown? That’s high-neuroticism rebellion in action.

4. Openness to Experience – The Curious Questioner

Those high in openness love exploration, creativity, and thinking outside the box. When it comes to authority, these individuals:

- Question rules before blindly following them
- Challenge the reasoning behind systems and traditions
- Prefer autonomy over rigid structure
- Are drawn to unconventional leadership styles

Openness can be a fantastic trait, leading to innovation and progress. Many great leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs score high in openness—they aren't afraid to challenge norms in pursuit of something better.

However, if you’re too open with too little respect for authority, you might struggle in structured environments like corporate jobs or government roles. Rules? Bureaucracy? Nope, not for you.

5. Extraversion – The Confident Conversationalist (or Rebel Leader)

Extraverts love engagement, socializing, and action. Their relationship with authority depends largely on their confidence levels:

- High-confidence extraverts may challenge authority because they feel capable of leading themselves.
- Some extraverts charm their way through the system without outright defying it.
- They enjoy leadership positions and naturally take charge.
- They thrive in authority roles but may struggle with following orders.

If you’re introverted, though, you might have a different approach. While you may not openly rebel, you could quietly resist authority by avoiding unnecessary interactions, staying in your lane, or finding subtle ways to maintain independence.

Why This Matters in Everyday Life

Your relationship with authority isn’t just about obeying the law or listening to your boss. It affects many parts of life, including:

- Workplace Dynamics: Understanding your personality can help you navigate workplace hierarchies. Are you naturally obedient, or do you need more autonomy? Recognizing this can guide career choices.
- Parenting Styles: If you're highly agreeable, you may struggle to set firm boundaries with kids. If you’re rebellious, you might encourage more independent thinking in your children.
- Relationships & Friendships: Even friendships have authority dynamics. Some people take charge naturally, while others prefer to follow.
- Societal & Political Views: Ever wonder why some people are naturally skeptical of government authority while others trust it completely? Personality has a huge role in shaping political and social perspectives.

So… Are You a Rebel or a Rule-Follower?

There’s no right or wrong way to interact with authority. Your personality shapes your responses, but self-awareness can help you find a balance.

If you’re a natural rule-follower, ask yourself: Am I following the rules because they make sense, or just because they exist?

If you’re a natural rebel, ask yourself: Am I resisting for the sake of resistance, or do I have a valid reason?

At the end of the day, authority isn’t inherently good or bad—it’s how we approach it that makes the difference. Whether you’re a handbook-carrying, rule-abiding citizen or a free spirit questioning every directive, one thing’s for sure: your personality plays a bigger role than you might think.

Now, go forth and either obey—or challenge—the powers that be (responsibly, of course).