Self-monitoring describes an individual’s ability to adjust behavior to situational factors. High self-monitors show considerable adaptability in adjusting their behavior to external situational factors. They are highly sensitive to external cues and can behave differently in varying situations, sometimes presenting striking contradictions between their public personae and their private selves.

Low self-monitors can’t disguise themselves in that way. They tend to display their true dispositions and attitudes in every situation; hence, there is high behavioral consistency between who they are and what they do. Evidence indicates that high self-monitors pay closer attention to the behavior of others and are more capable of conforming than are low self-monitors. High self-monitors have less commitment to their organizations and better performance ratings.