Agreeableness facet
Cooperation: a facet of agreeableness
The cooperation facet measures how you handle conflict: whether you give way to keep the peace or stand your ground.
What cooperation measures
Cooperation, called compliance in the NEO-PI-R, is one of six facets of agreeableness. It captures how you respond to interpersonal conflict: deferring and compromising, or pushing back and competing.
It's the facet most directly about conflict style.
High cooperation
High scorers prefer harmony. They'll compromise, back down or let things go to avoid a fight, which makes them easy to work with but can mean their own needs go unmet.
- Avoid arguments
- Compromise readily
- Hold back criticism
- Forgive and move on quickly
Low cooperation
Low scorers are comfortable with conflict and will argue their point. They don't back down easily, which can drive better decisions but also create friction.
- Stand their ground
- Enjoy a good argument
- Push back on decisions they disagree with
- Can be seen as confrontational
More agreeableness facets
Related guides
Common questions
Is high cooperation always good?
It keeps relationships smooth, but constant deferring can let problems go unaddressed. Healthy cooperation still includes raising important issues.
How can low scorers disagree without friction?
Separate the issue from the person, acknowledge the other view first, and pick the disagreements that matter most.
For self-reflection and education only. This isn't a clinical or diagnostic tool and isn't a substitute for professional psychological or medical advice.