Lesson 2: Personality and values
1. Personality
defining personality
the sum of ways in which an individual reacts to and interacts with others
measuring personality
-personality tests are helpful when making hiring decisions
-culture influences the way we rate ourselves
personality determinants
result of heredity and environment
heredity
-factors determined at conception
-molecular structure of the genes
-personality can change over time
personality traits
enduring characteristics that describe an individual’s behavior
2. Personality frameworks
Byers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
classifications
extraverted – introverted
sensing – intuitive
thinking – feeling
judging – perceiving
disadvantages
no in-between when traits are being measured, results are unrelated to job performance,
difficult to interpret
Big Five Personality Model
a personality assessment model that describes five basic dimensions of personality
conscientiousness
a personality dimension that describes someone who is responsible, dependable, persistent,
and organized
Lesson 2 1/6
, emotional stability
a personality dimension that characterizes someone as calm, self-confident, and secure
(positive) versus nervous, depressed, and insecure (negative)
extraversion
a personality dimension describing someone who is sociable, gregarious, and assertive
openness to experience
a personality dimension that characterizes someone in terms of imagination, sensitivity, and
curiosity
agreeableness
a personality dimension that describes someone who is good natured, cooperative, and
trusting
the dark triad
three undesirable traits: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy
Machiavellianism
-pragmatic, maintains emotional distance and believes ends can justify means
-manipulating others to their advantage
narcissism
-grandiose sense of self-importance, requires excessive admiration, and is arrogant
-exploit situations
-lack of empathy
-can be hypersensitive and fragile people
-charismatic
-more adaptable and make better business decisions
psychopathy
a lack of concern for others and a lack of guilt on remorse when actions cause harm
threats, manipulation, physical or verbal threatening
3. Other personality attributes relevant to OB
core self-evaluation (CSE)
bottom line conclusions individuals have about their capabilities, competence, and worth as
a person
self-monitoring
a personality trait that measures and individual’s ability to adjust his or her behavior to
external, situational factors
Lesson 2 2/6
1. Personality
defining personality
the sum of ways in which an individual reacts to and interacts with others
measuring personality
-personality tests are helpful when making hiring decisions
-culture influences the way we rate ourselves
personality determinants
result of heredity and environment
heredity
-factors determined at conception
-molecular structure of the genes
-personality can change over time
personality traits
enduring characteristics that describe an individual’s behavior
2. Personality frameworks
Byers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
classifications
extraverted – introverted
sensing – intuitive
thinking – feeling
judging – perceiving
disadvantages
no in-between when traits are being measured, results are unrelated to job performance,
difficult to interpret
Big Five Personality Model
a personality assessment model that describes five basic dimensions of personality
conscientiousness
a personality dimension that describes someone who is responsible, dependable, persistent,
and organized
Lesson 2 1/6
, emotional stability
a personality dimension that characterizes someone as calm, self-confident, and secure
(positive) versus nervous, depressed, and insecure (negative)
extraversion
a personality dimension describing someone who is sociable, gregarious, and assertive
openness to experience
a personality dimension that characterizes someone in terms of imagination, sensitivity, and
curiosity
agreeableness
a personality dimension that describes someone who is good natured, cooperative, and
trusting
the dark triad
three undesirable traits: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy
Machiavellianism
-pragmatic, maintains emotional distance and believes ends can justify means
-manipulating others to their advantage
narcissism
-grandiose sense of self-importance, requires excessive admiration, and is arrogant
-exploit situations
-lack of empathy
-can be hypersensitive and fragile people
-charismatic
-more adaptable and make better business decisions
psychopathy
a lack of concern for others and a lack of guilt on remorse when actions cause harm
threats, manipulation, physical or verbal threatening
3. Other personality attributes relevant to OB
core self-evaluation (CSE)
bottom line conclusions individuals have about their capabilities, competence, and worth as
a person
self-monitoring
a personality trait that measures and individual’s ability to adjust his or her behavior to
external, situational factors
Lesson 2 2/6
