Trait Theory Traits Traits refer to regularities or

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Trait Theory

Trait Theory

Traits · Traits refer to regularities or trends in a person’s behavior. · The

Traits · Traits refer to regularities or trends in a person’s behavior. · The trait approach to personality maintains that people behave the way they do because of the strength of the traits they possess.

What are the components of personality? b Traits- basic units or components of personality

What are the components of personality? b Traits- basic units or components of personality b Big 5 factors- general categories containing many related traits b. Neuroticism or Adjustment b. Extroversion or Sociability b. Conscientiousness b. Agreeableness b. Openness to Experience or Intellectual Openness

The Big 5 1. Neuroticism or Adjustment b Stable, confident nervous, self-doubting b Specific

The Big 5 1. Neuroticism or Adjustment b Stable, confident nervous, self-doubting b Specific example: Self-esteem = assessment of worthiness; a selfevaluation. b“+” related to effective work behavior (more motivated by goals, less susceptible to adverse work conditions, achievement, lower need for affiliation).

The Big 5 2. Extraversion or Sociability b Gregarious, energetic Shy, unassertive b Specific

The Big 5 2. Extraversion or Sociability b Gregarious, energetic Shy, unassertive b Specific example: Introversion and extraversion b. Describes a person’s congeniality- shy or gregarious/outgoing; inward or outward; extremes are usually bad for effective performance; depends on situations

The Big 5 3. Conscientiousness b Dependable, neat careless, irresponsible b Specific example: Locus

The Big 5 3. Conscientiousness b Dependable, neat careless, irresponsible b Specific example: Locus of control = extent to which individuals believe that they can control events effecting them b. High (internals)- feel they’re in control b. Low (externals)- chance, fate, others in control b. Related to desire for supervision (-), desire to influence/persuade (+), desire for achievement (+) info. processing (+)

The Big 5 4. Agreeableness b Warm, considerate cold, rude b Specific example: Friendliness

The Big 5 4. Agreeableness b Warm, considerate cold, rude b Specific example: Friendliness b(+) effective interpersonal performance, (+) leadership,

Big Five Model · Advantages of the Big Five Model b Provides explanation of

Big Five Model · Advantages of the Big Five Model b Provides explanation of leader and follower tendencies. b Personality traits tend to be constant over time. b Important for professional to know own traits to assess likelihood of success in various environments b Successfully works in many environments.

Big Five Model · Advantages of the Big Five Model b. Useful categorization scheme

Big Five Model · Advantages of the Big Five Model b. Useful categorization scheme for discussions b. Universally accepted across cultures

Big Five Model · Disadvantages of the Big Five Model b Some argue that

Big Five Model · Disadvantages of the Big Five Model b Some argue that five factors are not enough to adequately encompass all the different personality traits. b The Big Five personality dimensions tend to be fairly heterogeneous internally, which makes them poor predictors of job performance as compared to personality traits.