Organizational Behaviour - Personality Perspective

Personality refers to the unique set of characteristics, traits, behaviors, thoughts, and emotional patterns that define an individual. It is what makes each person distinct from others and influences how they respond to situations, interact with others, and perceive the world. Personality is shaped by both genetic and environmental factors, and it evolves over time through personal experiences and social interactions.

1. organizational Behaviour ( PERSONALITY ) Dr DINESH S Assistant Professor Department of Management Sciences Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts & Science (Autonomous) Coimbatore - 641 006 Tamil Nadu, India

2. PERSONALITY, PERCEPTION, LEARNING Personality is a complex and multi-dimensional concept that refers to the consistent patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that characterize an individual. Understanding personality involves exploring the determinants, approaches to studying it, various types, traits, and factors that influence its development.

3. Determinants of Personality Personality development is influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Some key determinants include: Genetics : Inherited traits or genetic predispositions can influence certain personality aspects, such as temperament, introversion vs. extraversion, and emotional reactivity. Environment : The family environment, culture, and life experiences contribute significantly to personality development. Cultural norms, societal expectations, and peer interactions shape behaviors and attitudes. Social Learning : The way we learn through interactions with others and society (e.g., observing role models, reinforcement, and punishment) affects our personality traits. Biological Factors : Hormonal imbalances, brain structure, and neurotransmitter activity can influence emotional regulation and behavior, thus affecting personality. Cognitive Processes : How we perceive and interpret the world can shape our personalities. Cognitive distortions or biases influence how we interact with the world and with others.

4. Approaches to Understanding Personality There are several theoretical approaches to studying personality: Psychoanalytic Approach (Freud) : Sigmund Freud's theory focuses on the unconscious mind, childhood experiences, and the interplay of the id, ego, and superego. According to Freud, early experiences and unresolved unconscious conflicts shape personality. Trait Theory ( Allport , Eysenck , Cattell ) : This approach emphasizes identifying specific traits that define personality. The idea is that individuals have consistent patterns of behavior (traits), such as being introverted or extraverted, stable or neurotic. Eysenck developed the concept of a two-dimensional model of personality (introversion/extraversion and neuroticism/stability). Humanistic Approach (Maslow, Rogers) : This approach focuses on self-actualization, personal growth, and achieving one's full potential. According to Carl Rogers, personality development depends on the individual's need for positive regard and self-concept. Behavioral Approach : This approach views personality as a result of learned behaviors. It emphasizes the role of reinforcement and punishment in shaping an individual’s traits. Social-Cognitive Approach ( Bandura ) : Albert Bandura's theory emphasizes the interaction between individual cognition (thoughts), behaviors, and environmental factors. It incorporates concepts like observational learning, self-efficacy, and reciprocal determinism.

5. Personality Types Personality can also be categorized into different types or patterns of behavior, though it’s important to note that most modern psychologists view personality as a spectrum, rather than distinct categories. Type A and Type B : Type A individuals are characterized as competitive, ambitious, and high-strung, whereas Type B individuals are generally more relaxed and easy-going. Introversion vs. Extraversion : One of the most widely known personality dichotomies, focusing on whether people are more energized by solitude (introverts) or by social interactions (extraverts). Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) : This theory categorizes individuals into 16 different personality types based on four dimensions: Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I), Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N), Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F), Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P).

6. Factors Affecting Personality Numerous factors contribute to the shaping and modification of an individual’s personality: Genetic Factors : As mentioned earlier, inherited traits and genetic predispositions affect personality. Parental Influence : Parenting styles (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, neglectful) significantly impact personality development, especially in childhood. Cultural Factors : Cultural values, norms, and societal expectations influence the way people express themselves and their behaviors. Cultures vary in their emphasis on traits like independence, collectivism, or individualism. Life Experiences : Significant life events, such as trauma, education, career success, or failure, can leave lasting impressions on an individual’s personality. Social Interactions : Relationships with peers, friends, and colleagues shape personality. Social feedback helps refine self-concept and behavior. Cognitive Factors : How individuals think, interpret situations, and make decisions also impacts their personality. Cognitive biases, attitudes, and perceptions can lead to the development of certain traits.

7. Personality Traits Personality traits are enduring characteristics that describe an individual’s habitual patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. Common models of personality traits include: The Big Five Personality Traits (OCEAN) : The most widely accepted model in psychology. The five dimensions are: Openness : Creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to experience new things. Conscientiousness : Organization, dependability, and attention to detail. Extraversion : Sociability, assertiveness, and energy levels. Agreeableness : Compassion, cooperativeness, and trustworthiness. Neuroticism : Emotional instability, anxiety, and moodiness. Other Traits : Other common traits include honesty, aggressiveness, intelligence, and emotional intelligence.

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