PERSONALITY

What Determines The Personality?

HeredityHeredity SituationSituationEnvironmentEnvironment

Personality – Derived from latin word persona which

means to speak through

is a set of unique characteristics that make an individual different from others.

Personality is the dynamic organization within the individual of those psychophysical systems that determine his unique adjustment to his environment.

Personality refers to a person’s unique and relatively stable pattern of thoughts, feelings, and actions.

It is the sum total of ways in which an individual reacts and interacts with others.

It looks at some aggregate whole that is greater than sum of its parts.

Personality is an interaction between biology and environment Genetic studies suggest heritability of

personality Other studies suggest learned components

of personality

Personality includes –

External appearances and behaviour

The inner awareness of self as a permanent

organizing force and

The particular organization of measurable

traits, both inner and outer.

Theories of Personality

psychoanalytical Theory

Trait Theories

Self-Theory and

Social Leaning Theory

Psychoanalytic Perspective“first comprehensive theory of personality”

(1856-1939)

• Human mind is composed of 3 elements:Preconscious- +nt at the time when mind is

formed. Transmitted through genesConscious- thoughts, feelings, beliefs and

desires that we can learn through introspection.

Unconscious- ideas and wishes that cannot be learned through introspection but determined by hypnotism, dreams.

“the mind is like an iceburg - mostly hidden”“the mind is like an iceburg - mostly hidden”

Conscious Awarenesssmall part above surface

(Preconscious)

Unconsciousbelow the surface

(thoughts, feelings,wishes, memories)

Freud & Personality Structure“Personality arises from conflict with aggressive,pleasure-seeking impulses and social restraints”

Satisfactionwithout the guilt?

EgoSuperEgo

Id

Freud & Personality StructureId - energy constantly striving to satisfy basic drives

Pleasure Principle

Ego - seeks to gratify the Id in realistic waysReality Principle

Super Ego

- voice of consciencethat focuses on howwe ought to behave

EgoSuperEgo

Id

Structure Level of consciousness Characteristics

Id Unconscious Primitive component containing the sexual instincts, biological urges, aggressive and destructive impulses. Source of the libido.(psychic energy) Operates according to the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification. Impulsive, amoral, and selfish. Foundation on which other parts of personality are erected. Governed by principles of greed and pleasure. Childish, irrational, never satisfied, demanding.

Ego Largely consciousPartly unconscious

Logical, rational component, which functions to satisfy the id’s urges and carry our transactions in the real world. Acts according to the reality principle

Superego Both conscious and unconscious

The morale component, consisting of the conscience and the ego ideal. Sets moral guidelines, which limit the flexibility of the ego. Represents noblest thoughts, ideals, feelings acquired through parents, teachers, friends.

A balance is required between these three.

Defence Mechanisms

Repression: removes painful of threatening memories ,banishes certain thoughts/feelings from consciousness

Projection: we attribute our undesirable impulse thoughts to others

Denial: refusal to acknowledgement

Rationalization: we unconsciously supply a logical, rational reason than accept real reason.

Regression: temper, throw things.

Reaction Formation: exaggerate ideas and emotions. Ex: chain smoker gets disturbed by a smoker.

Sublimation: channel into what is accepted by the society.

displacement: divert impulses towards a more acceptable behavior.

Defense MechanismsId

SuperEgo

EgoWhen the inner wargets out of hand, theresult is Anxiety

Ego protects itself viaDefense Mechanisms

Defense Mechanisms reduce/redirectanxiety by distorting reality

Trait Theories• Trait is an aspect or dimension of personality which consists

of a group of related and consistent reactions characteristic of a person’s typical adjustment.

• Trait is any distinguishable way in which one individual differs from another.

• They are individual variables and relatively stable. • Trait theorists are primarily interested in the measurement

of traits, which can be defined as habitual patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion.

• According to this perspective, traits are relatively stable over time, differ across individuals (e.g. some people are outgoing whereas others are shy), and influence behavior.

Gordon Allport’s Personality Traits

Allport identified two main categories of traits:-

Common traits and

Individual traits.

Cardinal Traits (most pervasive)

Central Traits (unique, limited in number)

Secondary Traits (peripheral). Music and dance preferences.

Raymond Cattell’s 16 Personality Factors

Cattell identified two types

Surface Traits

Source Traits(eg. Intelligence)

Sheldon’s Physiognomy Theory

Sheldon identifies three body types

Endomorph

Mesomorph

Ectomorph

Body type Behavioural temperament

Endomorphy Softness and spherical appearance; highly developed abdominal area; underdevelopment of bone muscle etc.

The endomorphic type of individual usually has a love for comfort, eats heavily, likes to be around people and desires affection. He is even tempered, shows a relaxed posture, reads showily, and is tolerant of others, and easy to get along with others. He prefers to be led than to lead.

Mesomorphy Hard and rectangular physique with a predominance of bone and muscle; strong, tough and injury-resistant body; well equipped for strenuous physical demands. Strong, athletic, tough.

The mesomorphic individual likes physical adventure and risk-taking. He needs muscular and vigorous physical activity. He is aggressive and insensitive toward others. He tends to be noisy and courageous; he desires action, power, and domination. He is athletic and seeks outdoor activity.

Ectomorphy Linear and fragile; flat chest and delicate body; usually thin and light-muscled.

He displays restraint, inhibition, and desire for concealment. He tends to be distrustful of people. He works well in closed areas. He reacts over quickly, sleeps poorly, and prefers solitude when his mind is troubled. Also he prefers not to attract attention to himself. Typically, he is anxious, ambitious, and dedicated.

B. Carl Jung’s Extrovert-introvert Theory

Extrovert

Introverts

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

• The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment is a psychometric questionnaire designed to measure psychological preferences in how people perceive the world and make decisions.

Style ofDecision Making Judgmental (J)

Perceptive (P)

Preference forDecision Making Thinking (T)

Feeling (F)

Type of SocialInteraction Introvert (I)

Extrovert (E)

Preference forGathering Data Intuitive (N)

Sensing (S)

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

Extraversion IntroversionInterest Orientation

E ITalkative,

Sociable,

Friendly,

Outspoken

Shy,

Reserved,

Quite,

Sensing IntuitionPerception

S NOrganised,

Practical,

Focus Detail.

Less Regular,

Unconscious,

Focus Big Picture

Thinking FeelingJudgment

T FReliability of logical order –

cause and effect,

Apathy

Priorities based on personal

importance and values,

Sympathy

Judgment PerceptionEnvironment Orientation

J PJudging attitude – Control of

events and systematic planning

Spontaneity – Curious, awaiting

events and adapting to

them,

Flexible

ISTJ“Take Your Time and Do It Right”

ISFJ“On My Honor,

to Do My Duty…”

INFJ“Catalyst for

Positive Change”

INTJ“Competence + Independence =

Perfection”

ISTP“Doing the Best I Can With What

I’ve Got”

ISFP“It’s the Thought

That Counts”

INFP“Still Waters Run

Deep”

INTP“Ingenious

Problem Solvers”

ESTP“Let’s Get Busy!”

ESFP“Don’t Worry, Be Happy”

ENFP“Anything’s

Possible”

ENTP“Life’s

Entrepreneurs”

ESTJ“Taking Care of

Business”

ESFJ“What Can I Do

For You?”

ENFJ“The Public

Relations Specialist”

ENTJ“Everything’s Fine – I’m in

Charge”

A Meyers-Briggs score– Can be a valuable too for self-awareness and

career guidance

BUT– Should not be used as a selection tool because it

has not been related to job performance!!!

Extroversion

Agreeableness

Conscientiousness

Emotional stability Openness to

Experiance

The BIG FIVE

The Big Five Personality Dimensions

Extraversion: Outgoing, talkative, sociable, assertive

Agreeableness: Trusting, good natured, cooperative, soft hearted

Conscientiousness: Dependable, responsible, achievement oriented, persistent

Emotional stability: Relaxed, secure, unworried

Openness to experience: Intellectual, imaginative, curious, broad minded

Research finding: Conscientiousness is the best (but not a strong) predictor of job performance

Other KeyPersonalityAttributes

Locusof Control

Self-Esteem

RiskPropensity

Type A & BPersonality

MachiavellianPersonality

SelfMonitoring

Proactive Personality

Locus of Control

Internal locus of control: belief that one controls key events and consequences in one’s life.

External locus of control: One’s life outcomes attributed to environmental factors such as luck or fate.

FACTORS INTERNALS EXTERNALS

Job Satisfaction Satisfied More dissatisfied

Absenteeism Less absenteeism Depends on their luck or chance

Turnover No clear relationship

Depends on their luck or chance

Relationship Between LOC & some other factors

COMPARISION BETWEEN INTERNALS & EXTERNALS

INTERNALS Better job

performance Attempt to

control their environment

Good decision maker

EXTERNALS More

compliant Follow

direction

JOB SUITABILITY

INTERNALS

Sophisticated task

Professional jobs

Managerial jobs

EXTERNALS

Structured jobs

Routine jobs

JOB SUITABILITYJudge of court -Internals

Teacher of driving school -Externals

Watchman -Externals

Financial adviser -Internals

CEO of any co -Internals

Salesman -internals

Call center -Externals

• Named after Niccolo Machiavelli

Characteristics:-

• Pragmatic• Maintains emotional distance• Believes that ends can justify the means

High Machs

Manipulate more Win more Persuaded less Persuade others more

High Machs persuaded by :-

Persuaded by 3 factors

1. Face-to-face interaction2. Situation having minimum number of

rules & regulations ,allowing latitude for improvisation

3. Emotional involvement with details irrelevant

Job suitability

For High Machs

Job requiring bargaining skills ( such as labor negotiation )

Or that offer substantial rewards for winning ( as commissioned sales )

Self Esteem

The degree to which a person likes or dislikes himself

It is directly related to expectations for success

Two types:-1. High Self Esteem 2. Low self Esteem

High Self Esteem

They believe that they possess the ability they need to succeed at work

Will take more risks in job selection And more likely to choose unconventional

jobs than people with low self esteem They will not be susceptible to the

external influences They are more satisfied with their job

Low Self Esteem

They seek appreciation from others

Seek approval from others and try to conform to the beliefs and behaviours of those they respect

They try to please others.

Self-MonitoringSelf-Monitoring

A personality trait that measures an individual’s ability to adjust his or her behavior to external, situational factors.

High Self-Monitors• Receive better performance ratings

• Likely to emerge as leaders

High Self-Monitors• Receive better performance ratings

• Likely to emerge as leaders

Risk-Taking

High Risk-taking Managers Make quicker decisions Use less information to make decisions Operate in smaller and more entrepreneurial

organizations Low Risk-taking Managers

Are slower to make decisions Require more information before making

decisions Exist in larger organizations with stable

environments.

Personality TypesType A’s1. are always moving, walking, and eating rapidly;2. feel impatient with the rate at which most events take place;3. strive to think or do two or more things at once;4. cannot cope with leisure time;5. are obsessed with numbers, measuring their success in terms of

how many or how much of everything they acquire.

Type B’s1. never suffer from a sense of time urgency with its accompanying

impatience;2. feel no need to display or discuss either their achievements or

accomplishments;3. play for fun and relaxation, rather than to exhibit their superiority

at any cost;4. can relax without guilt.

Personality TypesProactive Personality

Identifies opportunities, shows initiative, takes action, and perseveres until meaningful change occurs.

Creates positive change in the environment, regardless or even in spite of constraints or obstacles.

•Matching jobs & individuals

•Designing motivating systems

•Designing control systems

Investigative

A

I

S

C

E

RRealis

tic

Artis

tic

Soci

al

Enterprising

Con

ven

tion

al

Occupational Personality Types

Matching Personalities and Jobs

Type Personality Characteristics Sample Occupations

Realistic: Prefers physical activities that require skill, strength and coordination

Shy, genuine, persistent, stable, conforming, practical

Mechanic, drill, press operator, assembly line worker, farmer

Investigative: Prefers activities involving thinking, organizing, and understanding

Analytical, original, curious, independent

Biologist, economist, mathematician, news reporter

Social: Prefers activities that involve helping and developing others

Sociable, friendly, cooperative, understanding

Social worker, teacher, counsellor, clinical psychologist

Conventional: Prefers rule-regulated, orderly, and unambiguous activities

Conforming, efficient, practical, unimaginative, inflexible

Accountant, corporate manager, bank teller, file clerk

Enterprising: Prefers verbal activities where there are opportunities to influence others and attain power

Self-confident, ambitious, energetic, domineering business manager

Lawyer, real-estate agent, public relations specialist, small

Artistic: prefers ambiguous and unsystematic activities that allow creative expression

Imaginative, disorderly, idealistic, emotional, impractical

Painter, musician, writer, interior decorator.

Self-Theory/ Field Theory

Carl Rogers is most closely associated with his approach of self-theory.

Rogers and his associates have developed this personality theory that places emphasis on the individual as an initiating, creating, influential determinant of behaviour within the environmental framework.

It considers organism as a whole.

Self concept: organised, consistent, conceptual, based on perceptions of I or Me.

Person tries to make a balance ,re evaluates & readjusts within

Self image

Ideal

Social/looking glass self

Social Learning Theory

Pattern of behaviour the individuals learn in coping with environment. Generally watching models- parents, teachers, peers, boss, etc.

Four processes have been found to determine the influence that a model will have on an individual

Attentional Processes

Retention Processes

Motor reproduction processes: watching into doing

Reinforcement Processes

Direct: social approval/ disapproval

Vicarious: observation of someone else receiving reward or punishment

Self-administered : evaluation of one’s own performance with self praise.

Measuring Personality

The Projective Tests: shown a picture and then told to tell a story

Behavioural Measures: observation

Self-report questionnaire

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI): used for screening abnormal behaviour.

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

ConclusionOur personality shapes our behaviour.

We can better understand people if we know something about his or her personality.

Personality is the sum total of ways in which an individual interacts and reacts with other people or groups.

Managers need to know about personality and personality tests because they are useful in making hiring decisions.

It is important that employees personalities fit with the overall organisations’ culture and with the characteristics of the specific job which they have to perform.