The Cultural Application

of NEO-FFI to the Generation Z

and Millennial in the Philippines
 The Cultural Application of Neo FFI
To the Generation z and Millennial in the Philippines

Besa, Carlo Jempson F., Dolar, Cleoford P., Jose, Mark Danniel S.,

Mendoza, Christine Alexis B.

University of the East – Manila, College of Arts & Sciences, Department of Behavioral
Sciences

Besa, C.J.F University of the East, CM Recto, Philippines

E-mail: fraginalcj00@gmail.c
Contents
Abstract ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
I. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 5
II. Review of Related Literature & Studies .......................................................................................... 6
III. Method ................................................................................................................................................. 7
Participants ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Instruments ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Procedure .......................................................................................................................................... 9
Statistical Analysis ............................................................................................................................ 9
IV. Results .............................................................................................................................................. 10
GENERATION Z ................................................................................................................................ 10
MILLENNIAL ..................................................................................................................................... 13
V. Discussion......................................................................................................................................... 16
VI. Conclusion and Recommendation ................................................................................................... 16
VII. References ....................................................................................................................................... 17
VIII. Acknowledgements.......................................................................................................................... 18
 The Cultural Application of NEO FFI to the Millennial and Generation z in the Philippines

Abstract
The researchers aim is to assess the usefulness and validity of a brief personality assessment
for Generation Z and Millennial. The two major populations that makes up the majority of the
world today which are the generation y or the so called millennial (spanning from the year
1981-1997) and the generation z (spanning from years 1998-present), the authors of the test
wanted to see the differences of the personalities from representatives of the populace chosen,
therefore the researchers replicated the NEO-FFI test and made it into a more culturally
appropriate test for Filipinos. The goal of the test and the study itself has two points; the first
point is to determine whether there is a Personality difference between the two populations and
the second point is to determine the reliability and validity of the test in order to find the factors
of the test. For the Sampling, the researchers’ used a random technique; Eighty (80) students;
Twenty (20) mechanical engineering, Twenty (20) Psychology Majors, Twenty (20) from English
majors and Twenty (20) education students at the University of the East Manila completed the
NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO FFI). Differences in responses to the NEO FFI among the two
generations were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). All of the test results shows that
there are significant differences to the personalities of Millennial and Generation Z. Generation Z
tends to be Conscientious (with a means score of M=28.83) and Open to new experiences which
is displayed by the openness factor (with a mean score of M=26.3500) while Millennial tends to
be either Extrovert which stands from extraversion factor (with a mean score of M=27.6750)
or Neurotic which stands from Neuroticism (with a mean score of M=27.4500). It shows that
the NEO FFI is a useful tool to examine differences among these groups and to help understand
the factors that constitute their personalities. Give differences among the generational groups.
Results, Conclusions and limitations of NEO-FFI are discussed.

Keyword: Agreeableness, Neuroticism, Openness, Extraversion, Conscientiousness

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 The Cultural Application of NEO FFI to the Millennial and Generation z in the Philippines

I. Introduction

The Five Factor Model (FFI) may be widely applicable on a multicultural basis, although it is
commonly used in western countries some studies show that it may be used for eastern
countries but we must consider the factors that may inhibit it’s use on a more local culture such
as the Philippines, based on a study of (Mark, J 2018) we must consider that; (a) Most Philippine
dimensions are all surrounded by the Five Factor Model (FFM) may not be culture specific. (b) A
few indigenous construct are less well accounted by the Five Factor Model (FFM); their
constructs are well commonly known on western countries but are not well varied or may be
composed more differently here in the Philippines. (c) But the Philippine inventory adds modest
implemental validity beyond the Five Factor Model (FFM) in predicting selected cultural
relevance in selected areas only. The researchers intend to replicate the test but also add some
changes, while translating it into a more culturally appropriate for our selected population in the
Philippines. Furthermore the researchers would like to test the validity and reliability of Five
Factor Model Inventory. The NEO Five Factor Inventory is the shortened version of the NEO
personality inventory which is used to determine or asses one’s personality under five
categories (Being openness, Neuroticism, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness) and
is mainly used for screening and introductory purposes. The NEO Five Factor Inventory, Is
variedly used in different countries and tested for different cultures even those that may have an
identical cultural demographic from western countries such as the Philippines yet the subtle
changes of interpretation based on the differences from our culture from the western countries
may also affect it’s result. This study would like to recreate the test in order to be more culturally
appropriate for the chosen populace of the Philippines (which are the generation z populace and
the millennial populace). The applicability of the test would be ensured by the validity and the
reliability of the test.

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 The Cultural Application of NEO FFI to the Millennial and Generation z in the Philippines

II. Review of Related Literature & Studies

Chadyuk, O. (2010) concluded The NEO FFI is a useful tool to examine differences among these
groups and to help understand the factors that constitute their personalities. Give differences
among the generational groups. Results, Conclusions and limitations of NEO-FFI are discussed.

A similar research by Ispas Dan et al. (2018) Researchers found out that in the American
normative sample replicated in the researcher’s sample in which the Romanian version of NEO PI-
R was used. Internal consistency, test – retest reliabilities, and self-other agreement were all
comparable to in some cases better than the values found in other studies using translated version
of the NEO PI-R. The researchers also compared compared to the results reported for other
cultural adaptations of the NEO PI-R, these results have some particularities. Based on the domain
scale reliabilities, N is the most easily identified factor in the Romanian context, with a reliability
of .91 and with facet reliabilities in the range .68 to .77.

In a different side of the globe a research entitled “NEO Five-Factor Inventory Scores:
Psychometric Properties in a Community” by Murray Greg et al. (2009) The researchers found out
that API performs adequately as a measure of the FFM, and therefore can act as a public-domain
alternative to proprietary measures such as the NEO-FFI. In two contrasting samples, internal
reliability of the five scales was adequate, and among the university sample strong convergent and
divergent relationships were found with NEO-FFI scores. Factor scores adjusted for an apparent
acquiescent response set were strongly correlated with scale scores calculated from raw data, so
the adjustment is unnecessary for most applications. In sum, the API is suitable for use by
Australian clinicians and researchers, and further research into its psychometric properties and
external correlates is encouraged.

A Similar research entitled “The Use of the NEO-Five Factor Inventory to Assess Personality in
Trauma Patients: A Two-Year Prospective Study” by Haider adil et al. (2002) The researchers found
out that The NEO-FFI is a brief, valid, and stable measure of underlying personality traits that is
practical for use in a trauma setting. Its use in both outcomes research and patient evaluation
should be encouraged. In cases in which patients cannot complete the test, evaluations by
significant others may be useful.

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 The Cultural Application of NEO FFI to the Millennial and Generation z in the Philippines

Independent Variable • Five Factor Inventory

Dependent Variable • Millenial & generation z
This study’s independent variable is the Five Factor Inventory; Agreeable
Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Neuroticism, Openness. Done by the students from different
courses and the dependent variable are the Students of the University of East under the
millennial and generation z populace. The measures will be the groups’ scores and number of
correct answers.

III. Method

Participants

The participants are Undergraduate students from the College of Arts and Sciences (N=
80). Twenty (20) mechanical engineering, Twenty (20) Psychology Majors, Twenty (20) from
English majors and Twenty (20) education students at the University of the East Manila. Only
student with the age ranging in the said generations which is the Generation z (1998-present)
and the millennial (1981-1997) were applicable to participate in the study.

Instruments

The forty (40) item NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) was created in order to provide
information when it comes to the measurement of the five basic personality factors (Being
Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Neuroticism, Openness). For each Factor the
researchers provided 8 questions from the pool of NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI) items.
The test uses a five-point Likert scale format.

The dimensions in the five factor taxonomy; Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness,

Agreeableness and Conscientiousness will be discussed.

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 The Cultural Application of NEO FFI to the Millennial and Generation z in the Philippines

Neuroticism (vs Adjustment) is a classic dimension of personality integrated into most

models. It takes into account individual differences in the inclination to construct, perceive
and feel 'reality' as being problematic, threatening and difficult (concern, worries, low
opinion of self …) and feel 'negative' emotions (fear, shame, anger... ).

Extraversion (vs Introversion) is also a classic dimension. Extraversion reflects to the

quantity and intensity of relationships with one's environment (notably social), and refers to
a tendency to seek contacts with the environment with energy, spirit, enthusiasm and
confidence and to live out experiences positively.

Openness is a dimension that the Five-Factor Model, unlike its counterparts, deals with at the
second order level. This dimension is independent of cognitive aptitudes and groups together
different types of behaviour relative to an active search for and a love of new experiences. It
describes cognitive and non-cognitive openness to experience which is manifested in a wide
range of interests and an eagerness to seek out and live new and unusual experiences without
anxiety and even with pleasure. The acceptance of new experiences may be relevant to
various domains and different spheres (representations, beliefs, values, actions...) of
behaviour. 4

Agreeableness is also described uniquely in the Five-factor model as a second order

dimension. This dimension concerns the nature of one's relationships with others, and differs
from extraversion (another dimension with a strong interpersonal component) in that it
refers more to the relational sphere and the tone of relationships with others (kindness,
empathy or cynicism, hostility...) whereas extraversion refers more to the individual
him/herself. Agreeableness deals with the quality of interpersonal relationships on a
spectrum ranging from compassion to antagonism.

Conscientiousness is a dimension that focuses on issues such as orientation, persistency of

behavior and control of impulses. This dimension comprises dynamic elements (anticipation,
success-orientation, task-orientation, implication…) and control and inhibition elements of
behaviour (organization, perseverance, thoroughness, respect of standards and
procedures…)

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 The Cultural Application of NEO FFI to the Millennial and Generation z in the Philippines

Procedure

The researchers began constructing the test by conceptualizing the test that the researchers
are going to create, there were factors that must be considered in order to create a valid test. The
factors include the cultural appropriation of the test, it should show how it would fit the context
of how the chosen populace would answer the questions. Up next would be the formulation, we
begin by plotting down the planned questions in order to have an idea of the outcome, it may be
based on an existing test but there must be changes in order to fit the cultural context. After
formulating the test it must be validated by an expert, this would ensure the validity of the
questions, in order to for it to be subjected for a pilot run. By doing the pilot run the researchers
would have an idea if there are changes that must be made. After the revisions the revised test
must undergo another validation process in order to see if the changes that were made are
correct. The pilot testing would also give the researchers an idea on how to compute for the
reliability of the results. The process includes gathering the amount of people who answered the
test correctly and honestly subtracted to the people who answered incorrectly, the results would
then be divided to the total population than multiplied by Forty (40). After gathering these
results and after doing the process, the test may now be subjected to an actual run. The
researchers gathered enough people who represents their generations respectively and have
them answer the test as honestly as possible.

Statistical Analysis
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 (IBM) was used to find out the
result of the study. Also One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine whether
there is a significant difference among the two dependent variable the millennial and generation
z populace.

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 The Cultural Application of NEO FFI to the Millennial and Generation z in the Philippines

IV. Results

GENERATION Z

Descriptives
Generation_z

N Mean Std. Deviation Std. Error 95% Confidence Interval for Minimum Maximum
Mean

Lower Bound Upper Bound

Agreeableness 40 23.9000 4.38412 .69319 22.4979 25.3021 16.00 32.00

Openness 40 26.3500 4.09847 .64802 25.0392 27.6608 21.00 36.00
Extraversion 40 25.4250 5.35359 .84648 23.7128 27.1372 15.00 36.00
Neuroticism 40 24.4750 4.85686 .76794 22.9217 26.0283 16.00 36.00
Conscientiousness 40 28.8250 4.75496 .75182 27.3043 30.3457 17.00 37.00
Total 200 25.7950 4.97360 .35169 25.1015 26.4885 15.00 37.00

Table 1. This table showed the mean and standard deviation of the Five Factor in Generation z.

ANOVA
Generation_z

Sum of Squares df Mean Square F Sig.

Between Groups 598.370 4 149.592 6.746 .000

Within Groups 4324.225 195 22.176
Total 4922.595 199

Table 2. This table showed the significant difference between group means.

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 The Cultural Application of NEO FFI to the Millennial and Generation z in the Philippines

Multiple Comparisons
Dependent Variable: Generation_z
Tukey HSD

(I) Five_Factors (J) Five_Factors Mean Difference Std. Error Sig. 95% Confidence Interval
(I-J) Lower Bound Upper Bound

Openness -2.45000 1.05298 .141 -5.3494 .4494

Extraversion -1.52500 1.05298 .597 -4.4244 1.3744

Agreeableness
Neuroticism -.57500 1.05298 .982 -3.4744 2.3244

Conscientiousness -4.92500* 1.05298 .000 -7.8244 -2.0256

Agreeableness 2.45000 1.05298 .141 -.4494 5.3494
Extraversion .92500 1.05298 .905 -1.9744 3.8244
Openness
Neuroticism 1.87500 1.05298 .388 -1.0244 4.7744
Conscientiousness -2.47500 1.05298 .134 -5.3744 .4244
Agreeableness 1.52500 1.05298 .597 -1.3744 4.4244
Openness -.92500 1.05298 .905 -3.8244 1.9744
Extraversion
Neuroticism .95000 1.05298 .896 -1.9494 3.8494
Conscientiousness -3.40000* 1.05298 .013 -6.2994 -.5006
Agreeableness .57500 1.05298 .982 -2.3244 3.4744
Openness -1.87500 1.05298 .388 -4.7744 1.0244
Neuroticism
Extraversion -.95000 1.05298 .896 -3.8494 1.9494
Conscientiousness -4.35000* 1.05298 .001 -7.2494 -1.4506
Agreeableness 4.92500* 1.05298 .000 2.0256 7.8244

Openness 2.47500 1.05298 .134 -.4244 5.3744

Conscientiousness
Extraversion 3.40000* 1.05298 .013 .5006 6.2994

Neuroticism 4.35000* 1.05298 .001 1.4506 7.2494

*. The mean difference is significant at the 0.05 level.

Table 3. Tukey post hoc test showed which of the specific groups differed.

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 The Cultural Application of NEO FFI to the Millennial and Generation z in the Philippines

Generation_z
Tukey HSD

Five_Factors N Subset for alpha = 0.05

1 2

Agreeableness 40 23.9000
Neuroticism 40 24.4750
Extraversion 40 25.4250
Openness 40 26.3500 26.3500
Conscientiousness 40 28.8250
Sig. .141 .134

Means for groups in homogeneous subsets are displayed.

a. Uses Harmonic Mean Sample Size = 40.000.

Table 4. This table showed the two factors that elicited the highest score.

Table 5. This shows that the generation z tends to be on a highest scale when it comes to
conscientiousness.

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 The Cultural Application of NEO FFI to the Millennial and Generation z in the Philippines

MILLENNIAL

Descriptives
Millennial

N Mean Std. Deviation Std. Error 95% Confidence Interval for Minimum Maximum
Mean

Lower Bound Upper Bound

Agreeableness 40 23.4250 4.08178 .64539 22.1196 24.7304 16.00 30.00

Openness 40 23.9750 3.01694 .47702 23.0101 24.9399 18.00 32.00
Extraversion 40 27.6750 4.05341 .64090 26.3787 28.9713 20.00 34.00
Neuroticism 40 27.4500 5.62936 .89008 25.6496 29.2504 17.00 36.00
Conscientiousness 40 24.6250 4.23470 .66957 23.2707 25.9793 16.00 32.00
Total 200 25.4300 4.60337 .32551 24.7881 26.0719 16.00 36.00

Table 1. This table showed the mean and standard deviation of the Five Factor in Millennial.

ANOVA
Millennial

Sum of Squares df Mean Square F Sig.

Between Groups 636.220 4 159.055 8.662 .000

Within Groups 3580.800 195 18.363
Total 4217.020 199

Table 2. This table showed the significant difference between group means.

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 The Cultural Application of NEO FFI to the Millennial and Generation z in the Philippines

Multiple Comparisons
Dependent Variable: Millennial
Tukey HSD

(I) Five_Factor (J) Five_Factor Mean Difference Std. Error Sig. 95% Confidence Interval
(I-J) Lower Bound Upper Bound

Openness -.55000 .95820 .979 -3.1884 2.0884

Extraversion -4.25000* .95820 .000 -6.8884 -1.6116

Agreeableness
Neuroticism -4.02500* .95820 .000 -6.6634 -1.3866

Conscientiousness -1.20000 .95820 .721 -3.8384 1.4384

Agreeableness .55000 .95820 .979 -2.0884 3.1884
Extraversion -3.70000* .95820 .001 -6.3384 -1.0616
Openness
Neuroticism -3.47500* .95820 .003 -6.1134 -.8366
Conscientiousness -.65000 .95820 .961 -3.2884 1.9884
Agreeableness 4.25000* .95820 .000 1.6116 6.8884
Openness 3.70000* .95820 .001 1.0616 6.3384
Extraversion
Neuroticism .22500 .95820 .999 -2.4134 2.8634
Conscientiousness 3.05000* .95820 .014 .4116 5.6884
Agreeableness 4.02500* .95820 .000 1.3866 6.6634
Openness 3.47500* .95820 .003 .8366 6.1134
Neuroticism
Extraversion -.22500 .95820 .999 -2.8634 2.4134
Conscientiousness 2.82500* .95820 .029 .1866 5.4634
Agreeableness 1.20000 .95820 .721 -1.4384 3.8384

Openness .65000 .95820 .961 -1.9884 3.2884

Conscientiousness
Extraversion -3.05000* .95820 .014 -5.6884 -.4116

Neuroticism -2.82500* .95820 .029 -5.4634 -.1866

*. The mean difference is significant at the 0.05 level.

Table 3. Tukey post hoc test showed which of the specific groups differed.

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 The Cultural Application of NEO FFI to the Millennial and Generation z in the Philippines

Millennial
Tukey HSD

Five_Factor N Subset for alpha = 0.05

1 2

Agreeableness 40 23.4250
Openness 40 23.9750
Conscientiousness 40 24.6250
Neuroticism 40 27.4500
Extraversion 40 27.6750
Sig. .721 .999 Table 4. Var 2 showed the 2 factors that
Means for groups in homogeneous subsets are displayed. elicited the higher score under the five
a. Uses Harmonic Mean Sample Size = 40.000.
categories.

Table 5. It is shown that Extraversion and Neuroticism were the two main factors

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 The Cultural Application of NEO FFI to the Millennial and Generation z in the Philippines

V. Discussion

VI. Conclusion and Recommendation

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VII. References

Oleksiy Chadyuk 2010., NEO Five-Factor Inventory and its Applications in

Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Walden University

Ispas, D., Johnson, R.E., Iliescu, D. 2014., Exploring the Cross-Cultural Generalizability of the Five-
Factor Model of Personality: The Romanian NEO PI-R. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology.
July 2014 DOI: 10.1177/0022022114534769

Murray, G., Rawlings, D., Allen, N. B., & Trinder, J. (2003). NEO Five-Factor Inventory Scores:
Psychometric Properties in a Community Sample. Measurement and Evaluation in
Counseling and Development, 36(3), 140–149. doi:10.1080/07481756.2003.11909738

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VIII. Acknowledgements
The researchers would like to acknowledge all the people who helped them make this
research study possible and for supporting them academically, emotionally, spiritually,
financially and physically.

First, to God for helping the researchers in overcoming their emotional and spiritual
needs. For not letting them give upon pursuing this research study.

Finally, the researchers would also like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Alpha Christina
Bolinao for helping them find and gather the respondents needed for this study.

The Researchers

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