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Personality
The word personality is derived from a Greek word “persona” which means “to speak through.” Personality is the combination of characteristics or qualities that forms a person’s unique identity. It signifies the role which a person plays in public. Every individual has a unique, personal and major determinant of his behavior that defines his/her personality.
Characteristics of Personality:
i) Personality is not related to bodily structure alone. It includes both structure and dynamics
(ii) Personality is an indivisible unit.
(iii) Personality is neither good nor bad.
(iv) Personality is not a mysterious phenomenon.
(v) Every personality is unique.
(vi) Personality refers to persistent qualities of the individual. It expresses consistency and regularly.
(vii) Personality is acquired.
(viii) Personality is influenced by social interaction. It is defined in terms of behaviour.
Inherited Characteristics: The features an individual acquires from their parents or forefathers, in other words the gifted features an individual possesses by birth is considered as inherited characteristics. It consists of the following features −
Color of a person’s eye Religion/Race of a person Shape of the nose Shape of earlobes
Learned Characteristics: Nobody learns everything by birth. First, our school is our home, then our society, followed by educational institutes. The characteristics an individual acquires by observing, practicing, and learning from others and the surroundings is known as learned characteristics.
Learned characteristics includes the following features −
Conscientious
Openness to experience : ( inventive/curious vs. consistent/cautious ). Appreciation for art, emotion, adventure, unusual ideas, curiosity, and variety of experience. Openness reflects the degree of intellectual curiosity, creativity and a preference for novelty and variety a person has. It is also described as the extent to which a person is imaginative or independent and depicts a personal preference for a variety of activities over a strict routine. High openness can be perceived as unpredictability or lack of focus. Moreover, individuals with high openness are said to pursue self- actualization specifically by seeking out intense, euphoric experiences. Conversely, those with low openness seek to gain fulfillment through perseverance and are characterized as pragmatic and data-driven— sometimes even perceived to be dogmatic and closed- minded. Some disagreement remains about how to interpret and contextualize the openness factor.
Conscientiousness : ( efficient/organized vs. easy- going/careless ). A tendency to be organized and dependable, show self-discipline, act dutifully, aim for achievement, and prefer planned rather than spontaneous behavior. High conscientiousness is often perceived as stubbornness and obsession. Low conscientiousness is associated with flexibility and spontaneity, but can also appear as sloppiness and lack of reliability.[4] Extraversion : ( outgoing/energetic vs. solitary/reserved ). Energy, positive emotions, surgency, assertiveness, sociability and the tendency to seek stimulation in the company of others, and talkativeness. High extraversion is often perceived as attention-seeking, and domineering. Low extraversion causes a reserved, reflective personality, which can be perceived as aloof or self-absorbed.[4] Agreeableness : ( friendly/compassionate vs. challenging/detached ). A tendency to be compassionate and cooperative rather than suspicious and antagonistic towards others. It is
Locus of Control
Locus of control is the center of control of an individual’s code of conduct. People can be grouped into two categories i.e., internals and externals respectively. People who consider themselves as the masters of their own fates are known as internals, while, those who affirm that their lives are controlled by outside forces known as externals. Before making any decision, internals actively search for information, they are achievement driven, and want to command their environment. Thus, internals do well on jobs that crave complex information processing, taking initiative and independent action. Externals, on the other hand, are more compliant, more willing to follow instructions, so, they do well in structured, routine jobs.
Machiavellianism
Machiavellianism is being practical, emotionally distant, and believing that ends justify means.
Machiavellians always want to win and are great persuaders. Here are the significant features of high-mach individuals − High-Machs prefer precise interactions rather than beating about the bush. High-Machs tend to improvise; they do not necessarily abide by rules and regulations all the time. High-Machs get distracted by emotional details that are irrelevant to the outcome of a project.
Self-esteem
It is the extent up to which people either like or dislikes them. Self-Esteem is directly related to the expectations of success and on-the-job satisfaction. Individuals with high self-esteem think that they have what it takes to succeed. So, they take more challenges while selecting a job. On the other hand, individuals with low self-esteem are more susceptible to external distractions. So, they are
Thus, it is very important to recognize these differences and align risk-taking propensity with precise job demands that can make sense.
Theories of Personality
I. Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory
This theory is based on the belief that man is encouraged more by unforeseen forces than the conscious and logical thought. Freud believed that most of the things in life are not present at the conscious level but they are present at an unconscious level. The features of Freud’s theory include three attributes − Id, Ego, and Superego. Id − It defines the innate component of personality. It is the impulsive and unconscious part of mind that seeks immediate satisfaction. Example − A hungry baby cries till he/she is fed. Ego − It is derived from Id and assists in dealing with the external world. It also helps in translating the
inner needs into expressions. It deals with practical and rational thinking process. Example − we have a fight with our friend and expect the friend to talk first, even though both of us want to talk. Superego − It is different from ego and is partially unconscious. It includes the traditional values of society as interpreted by our parents. It also helps in the integral vision of punishment. Example − Ram came late today so he is grounded for a week.
II. Erikson’s Theory
This theory states that personality is groomed throughout lifetime. He presents eight distinct stages each with two possible outcomes. Successful completion of each stage leads to a healthy personality. These stages are −
Infancy − It is the period between 0-1 years of age. In this stage, children learn the ability to trust others depending on their caregivers. Unsuccessful
School Age − It is the period between 6 years of age till puberty. In this stage, children become more innovative. They feel confident and want to achieve their goals. If not encouraged they may feel inferior. Example − Teenagers should be protected and parents need to understand them and should handle them patiently.
Adolescence − this stage is a transformation from childhood to adulthood. Here children find their own identity and should be guided and supported in order to help them choose the right direction. Example − Decision such as which stream to choose science or commerce etc. happens during this stage.
Young Childhood − this stage is also known as young adulthood. Here, they begin to open up and become more intimate with others. Example − Making close friends.
Adulthood − in this stage, they focus on establishing career and settling down with relationships that are important. Example − Applying for jobs. Mature Adulthood − in this stage, a person is old and thus in this stage the productivity slows down. Example − Taking care of the family.
III. Sheldon’s Physiognomy Theory
This theory was proposed by William Sheldon. He presents personalities by classifying individuals into convenient categories based on their body shapes. They are −
Endomorphs Mesomorphs Ectomorphs Endomorphs
In this category, the body is soft and spherical. People with this kind of personality love comfort; eat a lot, like to be around people and desire affection. Some common
Types of personality
Let us go through the following personality types:
- The Duty Fulfiller - Such individuals take their roles and responsibilities seriously and perform whatever tasks are assigned to them. Duty fulfillers are serious individuals and believe in honesty and a peaceful living. They never do anything which is not good for themselves, their job, families or for the society. Such individuals are actually good and responsible citizens who abide by the legal system and can’t even dream of breaking the law. People with such a personality type are extremely hard working and often find it difficult to say NO to others, eventually becoming overburdened at the end of the day. Such individuals adopt an organized approach towards work and are extremely loyal and faithful. They also show a strong inclination towards creativity and aesthetics.
- The Mechanic - As the name suggests such individuals are inclined towards machinery like aeroplane, motorcycling, cars, races and so on. They are
interested to know why and how certain things function. Theories do not interest them. You would not be able to convince them unless and until they see the practical application themselves. Such individuals are extremely adventurous and have a strong power of logical reasoning.
- The Nurturer - Nurturers are individuals with a large heart. For them, the happiness of others is more important than their own interests. Such individuals actually live for others. They do not look at the darker sides of life and believe in extracting the best out of people around. They have a positive approach in life and want to believe only the best of people.
- The Artist - Artists have an eye for natural beauty and creativity. Rather than worrying about future, they believe in living for the moment. Such individuals are extremely cool headed and do not get into unnecessary fights and troubles. They do not blindly copy others and aspire to create a style of their own.
- The Protector - You would find such a personality type in very few people, making it a very rare
smoothly. They are mature individuals who have a clear set of standards.
- The Performer - Performers strive hard to grab attention of others and love being the centre of attention. They are fun loving individuals who enjoy fun and excitement in life.
- The Inspirer - Inspirers are talented individuals and often act as a role model for others. They have great people skills.
- The Giver - Individuals with “The Giver” personality type enjoy the company of others and do not prefer staying alone.
- The Executive - Such individuals are born to lead and make very good leaders. They love taking charge and are good decision makers.
