Individual Differences
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Lewin B = f(P,E)
In order to understand human
behavior we must know something
about the person and something
about the situation.
The Person
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Skills and Abilities
Personality
Perceptions
Attributions
Attitudes
Values
The Situation or Environment
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Organization (structure & design)
Work Group (size, norms, cohesive)
Job (complexity, variety, feedback)
Personal Life (work/family conflict)
Other Situational Factors
Personality Defined
Relatively stable pattern of
behaviors and consistent internal
states that explain a person's
behavioral tendencies
Personality is shaped by both
heredity and environment
Biological Basis - Heredity
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Traits associated with temperament
and sociability traced to genetics
Preferences in clothing, food,
habits, appearance
Tendencies toward extroversion
leadership, dominance
resistance to stress, work ethic,
achievement
Environmental or Situational Basis
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Examples of situational influences
include family, cultural, educational
influences, the way we are
rewarded and punished etc.
Traits like aggression, risk aversion,
need for intimacy and comfort
Measuring Personality
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Projective tests – pictures, abstract
images, photos, Ink blot
Behavioral measures – observing
behavior in a controlled situation
where you can record occurrences
Self-report questionnaire (MMPI)
(NEO) (MBTI)
General Conclusions:
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Behavior is a function of the person
interacting with his/her
environment. Both play almost
equal parts.
Personality traits are less evident in
situations where social norms,
rules, reward systems, or
consequences constrain behavior
General Conclusions Con’t
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Personality tests were widely used
in selection 40 years ago
Research began to report a weak
relationship between those tests
and actual job performance
Tests might unfairly discriminate
against some groups of people
General Conclusions Con’t
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In the last 10 years some
personality traits have regained
some credibility in predicted workrelated behaviors, stress reactions,
and emotions
In general, personality tests are not
good predictors of job performance
Personality Variables in OB Research
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Big Five
MBTI
Locus of Control
Self-Monitoring
Self-Esteem Self-Efficacy
Negative/Positive Affect
Big Five Personality Dimensions
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Conscientiousness (h,l) – careful,
dependable, self-disciplined
Agreeableness(h,l) – courteous, goodnatured, empathic, caring
Emotional Stability/Neuroticism – poised,
secure, calm; anxious, hostile, depressed
Openness to experience(h,l) (most
complex) - Sensitive, flexible, creative,
curious, less resistant to change
Extroversion/Introversion – outgoing,
talkative, sociable, assertive; quiet,
cautious, often shy
MBTI – Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
Extroversion: Energy directed
outward toward people and things.
Focus – change the world. Seeks
variety and action.
Introversion: Energy directed inward
toward concepts and ideas. Focus –
understand the world. Seeks quiet
for concentration.
Sensing/Intuition
Sensing – mode of perception is the five
senses, reliance on experience and data.
Focus is practical and reality. Prefers
using learned skills, pays attention to
details and facts.
Intuition – mode of perception is intuition,
what is possible. Focus is on the future,
innovation. Prefers adding new skills,
looking at complex patterns.
Thinking/Feeling
Thinking – Mode of decision making is
based on logic. Focus is on things, truth,
principles solving problems. Treats others
fairly, less personable, more businesslike.
Feeling – Mode of decision making is on
human values and needs. Focus is on
people, harmony, being supportive. Acts
more personable, friendly.
Judgment/Perception
Judgment – lifestyle involves
planning. Focus is being decisive,
purposeful. Closure is important,
completing tasks, making decisions.
Perception – lifestyle is more
spontaneous. Focus is curious,
flexible, and adaptable.
Considering possibilities, gathering
information, postpone decisions.
Locus of Control and Self-Monitoring
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Locus of control
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Internals believe in their effort and
ability
Externals believe events are mainly
due to external causes
Self-monitoring (high, low)
Extent to which people base their
behavior on cues from other
people and situations
Self Monitoring
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Self Monitoring – Situational
appropriateness, Self expression
and Self presentation. High SM’s
use situational cues or social
information to regulate their own
verbal and nonverbal self
presentation. Low SM act more
from internal, dispositional states.
Their behavior is more consistent.
Self Esteem and Self Efficacy
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Self Esteem – a belief about one’s
own worth based on an overall
evaluation
Self Efficacy – a person’s belief
about her chances of successfully
accomplishing a specific task
Negative/Positive Affect
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Negative Affect – a temporary mood
state or a more chronic tendency
toward negative emotionality and
self concept.
Positive Affect – a mood/disposition
to focus on the positive aspects of
themselves, others and the world in
general