Organizational Behavior Case Studies with Answers
What is Personality?
The dynamic organization within the individual of those psychophysical systems that determine his unique adjustments to his environment. - Gordon Allport * The sum total of ways in which an individual reacts and interacts with others, the measurable traits a person exhibits * Measuring Personality * Helpful in hiring decisions * Most common method: self-reporting surveys * Observer-ratings surveys provide an independent assessment of personality – often better predictors
Personality is often defined by characteristics such as outgoing or charming. However, psychologists define personality as the growth and development of a person’s whole psychological system.
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 * Heredity * Factors determined at conception: physical stature, facial attractiveness, gender, temperament, muscle composition and reflexes, energy level, and bio-rhythms * This “Heredity Approach” argues that genes are the source of personality * Twin studies: raised apart but very similar personalities * There is some personality change over long time periods
There has been a long-standing debate about whether genetics or environment are 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
The dynamic organization within the individual of those psychophysical systems that determine his unique adjustments to his environment. - Gordon Allport * The sum total of ways in which an individual reacts and interacts with others, the measurable traits a person exhibits * Measuring Personality * Helpful in hiring decisions * Most common method: self-reporting surveys * Observer-ratings surveys provide an independent assessment of personality – often better predictors
Personality is often defined by characteristics such as outgoing or charming. However, psychologists define personality as the growth and development of a person’s whole psychological system.
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 * Heredity * Factors determined at conception: physical stature, facial attractiveness, gender, temperament, muscle composition and reflexes, energy level, and bio-rhythms * This “Heredity Approach” argues that genes are the source of personality * Twin studies: raised apart but very similar personalities * There is some personality change over long time periods
There has been a long-standing debate about whether genetics or environment are 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