Personality in relation to OB
Personality
can be thought as the sum total of ways in which individual reacts to and
interacts with each others. It is most often described in terms of measurable
traits that a person exhibits
Personality traits
Personality
traits are general behavioral characteristics. Researchers for long believe
these traits can helping employee selection, matching people to jobs, and in
guiding career development decisions. For example if certain personality traits
could perform better on specific jobs, management could use personality tests
to screen the desired employees.
Two personality tests are widely used in employee
selection.
1.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator-
Most widely used personality
assessment in the world. Total 100 questions. Asks what a person feels in particular
situation. On the basis of their responses, they are classified as-
a. Extroverted
vs. Introverted (E or I)- Extroverted
people are outgoing and active. Introverted are reserved and shy.
b. Sensing
vs. Intuitive (S or N)- Sensing
people are practical and prefer routine and order. They focus on details. Intuitive people looks into the big picture
and rely on unconscious.
c. Thinking
vs. Feeling (T or F) - Thinking
type use reason and logic to handle problems. Feeling type rely on personal
value and emotions.
d. Judging
vs. Perceiving (J or P) -
Judging type want control and prefer their world to be ordered and structured. Perceiving
type are flexible and spontaneous.
The
classification is combined into 16 personality types. Each type has one of the
personality trait from a,b,c, and d. For example one personality type is- INTJ.
Various Combinations and their behavior charecteristics are given below. (Just
learn one or two for example)
2.
The Big Five Model-
Highly supported by evidence.
Five basic dimensions of personality according to Big Five Model are-
there is a relatively consistent relationship
between
1. Conscientiousness and Employee
citizenship behavior.
2. Extraversion with managerial
efficiency.
3. Openness to training
efficiency.
4. Neuroticism with job
satisfaction.
5. Agreeableness with Group
membership and team building.
Personality
Traits that influence OB
1. Core Self Evaluation-
People
with positive core self evaluation see them as effective, capable and control
their environment. People with negative core self evaluation dislike themselves.Two
elements that determines an individuals core self evaluation are-
a. Self Esteem- degree of liking or disliking themselves and
degree to which they think they are worthy or unworthy as people.
b. Locus of Control- people with internal locus of control
believes that they can control what happens to them. External locus of control
people believe that what happens to them is controlled by outside forces.
Positive
core self evaluation leads to better job satisfaction.
2. Machiavellianism
An individual
high in Machiavellianism is pragmatic, maintains emotional distance, and believes
end can justify means. High Mach- manipulate more, win more, can be persuaded
less.
Efficiency
of Mach people depends on nature of job.
3. Narcissism
People
with narcissism have heightened sense of self importance, requires excessive
admiration, has sense of entitlement and has a sense of arrogance. Narcissist are
often rated as less effective at their jobs particularly when it comes to
helping others.
4. Self Monitoring
Individuals
high in self monitoring shows considerable adaptability in adjusting their
behavior to external, situational factors. They are highly sensitive to
external cues and can behave differently in different situation. High self
monitors tend to pay closer attention to the behavior of others and are more
capable of confirming. They receive better performance rating, more likely to
emerge leaders, and show commitment to their organizations.
5. Risk Taking
Risk
taking refers to the willingness to take chances. High risk taking managers
take more rapid decisions and use less information in making their choices. Risk
taking on organizational set up and its productiveness depends upon the nature
of job. For example, a stock trader need to take risk, but a person in explosives manufacturing company cannot afford it.
6. Type A and Pro active
personalities
Employee’s
could be classified into two on the basis of activity levels. They are type A
and Type B personalities-
Type A
employes are found more in capitalistic countries.
