CHAPTER FOUR
Personality and Values
What is a personality?
how a person act, reacts, and interacts with others.
We study personality in Organizational Behavior because it impacts a number of
important work outcomes. We can attempt to measure personality through a variety
of methods. Often these methods are utilized in the hiring process to assist in hiring
the right person for the job and the organization. The most common method is self-
reporting surveys where individuals answer questions that determine what type of
personality they have. Another, more accurate, method is when others observe the
individual and provide an independent assessment of their personality.
Personality Determinants:
There has been a long-standing debate about whether genetics or environment is
more important in determining personality. They both play an important role. The
heredity approach refers to factors determined at conception such as physical
stature and gender. This has been reaffirmed by studies that have looked at twins
who were raised apart but still had similar personalities. Personalities can, however,
change over time.
Measuring personality:
Helpful in hiring decisions, and help managers to forecast who’s the best for the job.
Self-reporting survey.
Others observation.
Personality Traits:
Even though personalities do change over time, there are enduring characteristics
that describe an individual’s behavior. If we see a trait consistently surface in
different situations, this trait is important in describing the individual.
Methods used to describe personality are the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and the
MBTI. The Big Five Model is another framework used to describe personality.
CHAPTER FOUR 1
Personality and Values
What is a personality?
how a person act, reacts, and interacts with others.
We study personality in Organizational Behavior because it impacts a number of
important work outcomes. We can attempt to measure personality through a variety
of methods. Often these methods are utilized in the hiring process to assist in hiring
the right person for the job and the organization. The most common method is self-
reporting surveys where individuals answer questions that determine what type of
personality they have. Another, more accurate, method is when others observe the
individual and provide an independent assessment of their personality.
Personality Determinants:
There has been a long-standing debate about whether genetics or environment is
more important in determining personality. They both play an important role. The
heredity approach refers to factors determined at conception such as physical
stature and gender. This has been reaffirmed by studies that have looked at twins
who were raised apart but still had similar personalities. Personalities can, however,
change over time.
Measuring personality:
Helpful in hiring decisions, and help managers to forecast who’s the best for the job.
Self-reporting survey.
Others observation.
Personality Traits:
Even though personalities do change over time, there are enduring characteristics
that describe an individual’s behavior. If we see a trait consistently surface in
different situations, this trait is important in describing the individual.
Methods used to describe personality are the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and the
MBTI. The Big Five Model is another framework used to describe personality.
CHAPTER FOUR 1
