Personality is derived from the Greek word “Persona”, meaning “mask”.

Personality is the
term used to represent the overall profile or combination of characteristics that capture the unique
nature of a person as they react and interact with others. It is often what sets us apart from another
individual .A person’s personality (i.e. a set of psychological traits) is a relatively stable precursor of
behavior; it underlies an enduring style of thinking, feeling and acting. In management the
understanding of personality and its contributing factors helps us in understanding what shapes
individuals, their capabilities and most importantly what keeps them motivated. In general, there is
said to be a connection between an individual’s personality and tendency to behave in certain ways.
For example if one is classified as an introvert, that individual tends to be less sociable in comparison
to an extrovert.

An important question in taking a look at Personality is: what determines it. This is often
illustrated by the nature/ nurture controversy. Looking at it another way is personality something
you genetically inherit or is it determined by experience. For example if someone says “she acts just
like her mother” the counterargument to that being “He is the way he is because f his upbringing”.
The main determinants of personality can be categorized in to three basic factors. These three
determinants include: Hereditary, Environment.

Hereditary consists of those factors that are determined at conception, and includes physical
characteristics and gender in addition to personality factors. It is said that the mind is divided in to
three main domains. They three domains are as follows, the cognitive domain which includes skills
and learned behaviour; the affective domain which includes emotions and finally the conative
domain. The conative domain actions are also known as the instinctive approach. Instincts are
described as inherited patterns of unreasoned and unchangeable responses to particular responses
and changes.

In terms of the environmental factor: Culture plays a crucial role in the development of an
individual’s personality and behaviours. For example the individualism in Australian culture in
contrast to collectivism culture in Mexico. Social aspects in our lives play a role in moulding our
personality and making us who we are; these aspects include family lives and religion. One final
factor to be considered is situational factors. Situational factors are very important to change the
individual behaviour in different circumstances at different situations. For example a personality of a
person in a temple or a job interview.

Some studies go on to show that heredity rather than various non –hereditary factors are in
fact the factors that influence the lives of eminent men. This is opposed by the argument put
forward by Candole, who attempted to show that environmental influences are equally
important in the formation of one’s personality. Some studies have gone to show tracing the
descendant of less desirable matches goes on to show an endless list of defectives and
criminals. For example the Kallikak family.

Even though statistical analytical methods are somewhat crucial, the method used to sorting
out the influences of hereditary as opposed to culture in formation of personality, is by the
use of identical twin studies. This is because it is certain that heredity of the two individuals
is almost identical. If these two individuals are separated and brought up in different
backgrounds, they nevertheless develop into similar a personality, which proves heredity is
also strongly involved. This can be seen in the studies carried out by the American
investigators in parts of Germany and Holland which show high degree of Concordance.(
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Over the years various literature pieces have described various personality traits and characteristics.
For the purpose of this paper, we will be considering some of the personality traits that are linked
with behaviour in organisations. With the help of the “Big five” factor model, we are able to outline
individual differences in personality in to 5 basic dimensions. The five dimensions of the modal
include.

Extroversion: This is the factor which rates how comfortable an individual is in social relationships as
well as how socially inhibited they each are. At one end there being an “introvert”, who is socially
uncomfortable and slightly awkward. On the other end being “Extrovert”, these individuals are
usually the ones who are comfortable in social relations. In other words it takes a contrasting look at
an outgoing personality and a withdrawn personality. Extraverts tend to be frank, talkative, and
sociable. On the other hand introverts are more quiet, reserved and shy.

The next dimension is the agreeableness. Agreeableness is more concerned with ones sensitivity and
responsiveness towards others. At the two ends we have a tough minded individual , who tend to
operate at a thinking level and a bit hesitant to defer to others. Opposite that is the gentle mid who
operates at a more emotional level and defers to others.

Thirdly, we have what is called Conscientiousness. Conscientiousness is the extent to which an individual is
organised, dependable, detailed focused in comparison to someone who is unfocused and disorganised less reliable.

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