Siksha Srijan Academy ( OB ) 2nd Sem

Organizational Behavior - 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.

Personality trait is basically influenced by two major features −

Inherited characteristics

Learned characteristics

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 −

Perception − Result of different senses like feeling, hearing etc.

Values − Influences perception of a situation, decision making process.

Personality − Patterns of thinking, feeling, understanding and behaving.

Attitude − Positive or negative attitude like expressing one‟s thought.

Traits of Personality

Personality traits are the enduring features that define an individual‟s behavior. A
personality
trait is a unique feature in an individual. Psychologists resolved that there are five
majorTheories of Personality

A theory is a simple model of reality that helps us understand, explain, predict and deal
with

reality. We have some theories that explain an individual‟s personality.

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
thinkingprocess. Example − We have a fight with our friend and expect the friend to talk
first,

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.

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 completion in this stage results
in anxiety and insecurity.Example − Children of this age are more comfortable with those
faces they see more often and not with strangers.

Early Childhood − It is the period between 1-3 years of age. In this stage, children learn to
be independent. If given support, they become more confident else they become
dependent over others. Example − Children in this age are taught how to walk, how to talk
etc.

Play Age − It is the period between 3-6 years of age. In this stage, children assert
themselves frequently. The failure leads to development of a sense of guilt among them.
Example − Children in this age group, need to be taught how to behave and should be
taught to be focused.

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. Early 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.

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
endomorph features are large amount of fat accumulation, insatiable appetite, larger frame
etc. Some endomorph personalities are John Goodman, Jack Black etc. Mesomorphs In
this category, the body is hard and rectangular physique. People with this kind of
personality like to take risk, are courageous and have power. Some common mesomorph
features are wide shoulders, small waist, low body fat. Some mesomorph personalities are
Jennifer Garner, Tina Turner etc.
Ectomorphs

In this category, the body is fragile, flat chest and delicate body. People with this kind of
personality are anxious, ambitious and dedicated. Some common ectomorph features are
narrow frame, low body fat, etc. Some notable ectomorph personalities are Brad Pitt, Bruce
Lee etc.

Organizational Behavior - Perception

Perception is an intellectual process of transforming sensory stimuli to meaningful
information. It is the process of interpreting something that we see or hear in our mind and
use it later to judge and give a verdict on a situation, person, group etc. It can be divided
into six types −Of sound − The ability to receive sound by identifying vibrations.

Of speech − The competence of interpreting and understanding the sounds of language

heard.

Touch − Identifying objects through patterns of its surface by touching it.

Taste − The ability to receive flavor of substances by tasting it through sensory organs

known as taste buds.

Other senses − They approve perception through body, like balance, acceleration, pain,

time, sensation felt in throat and lungs etc.

Of the social world − It permits people to understand other individuals and groups of

their social world.

Perceptual process are the different stages of perception we go through. The different
stages are,

Receiving Selecting Organizing Interpreting

needs. The selection of data is dominated by various external and internal factors.

External factors − The factors that influence the perception of an individual externally are
intensity, size, contrast, movement, repetition, familiarity, and novelty. Internal factors −
The factors that influence the perception of an individual internally are psychological
requirements, learning, background, experience, self-acceptance, and interest.
Attribution Theory
The attribution theory attempts to explain how individuals interpret events and messages. The
theory provides evidence that we attempt to predict others' behavior by attributing their actions
to known events.

How do we attach meaning to other's behavior or our own? This is called attribution theory. For
example, is someone angry because they are bad-tempered or because something bad
happened?

"Attribution theory deals with how the social perceiver uses information to arrive
at causal explanations for events. It examines what information is gathered and
how it is combined to form a causal judgment" (Fiske, & Taylor, 1991)

Attribution theory is concerned with how and why ordinary people explain events as they do.

Heider (1958) believed that people are naive psychologists trying to make sense of the social
world. People tend to see cause and effect relationships, even where there is none!

Heider didn't so much develop a theory himself as emphasize certain themes that others took
up. There were two main ideas that he put forward that became influential.

What is Attitude in the Workplace?

Attitude is a way of thinking or feeling about something and is usually reflected in behavior.
Attitude in the workplace refers to the feelings and beliefs concerning the workplace. A person's
attitude about their workplace can affect how they feel about themselves inside and outside their
workplace. For example, a person may not like a task they must complete at work. However, if
that person can approach the task with a positive attitude, it will likely impact the individual's
overall attitude and possibly even others around them.

Types of Attitude

• Cognitive-The cognitive component refers to a person's knowledge or belief about

something. For example, Tom says he believes all snakes are deadly; this is Tom's
personal cognitive thought about snakes.
• Affective-The affective component refers to a person's emotional response to
something. For instance, Tom may elaborate that he is terrified of all snakes; this is
Tom's emotional, affective feeling about snakes. He feels terrified of snakes.
• Conative-The conative component refers to actions taken. A definition for the
conative component is the attitude that influences how we act. For example, Tom
may refuse to take any overgrown, grassy pathways to avoid running into a snake.
Theories of Learning
Learning can be understood clearly with the help of some theories that will explain our

behavior. Some of the remarkable theories are −

Classical Conditioning Theory

Operant Conditioning Theory

Social Learning Theory

Cognitive Learning Theory

Classical Conditioning Theory

The classical conditioning occurs when a conditioned stimulus is coupled with an
unconditioned stimulus. Usually, the conditioned stimulus (CS) is an impartial stimulus
like the sound of a tuning fork, the unconditioned stimulus (US) is biologically effective like
the taste of food and the unconditioned response (UR) to the unconditioned stimulus is an
unlearned reflex response like salivation or sweating. After this coupling process is
repeated (for example, some learning may already occur after a single coupling), an
individual shows a conditioned response (CR) to the conditioned stimulus, when the
conditioned stimulus is presented alone. The conditioned response is mostly similar to the
unconditioned response, but unlike the unconditioned response, it must be acquired
through experience and is nearly impermanent.

Operant Conditioning Theory

Operant conditioning theory is also known as instrumental conditioning. This theory is a
learning process in which behavior is sensitive to, or controlled by its outcomes. Let‟s take
an example of a child. A child may learn to open a box to get the candy inside, or learn to
avoid touching a hot stove. In comparison, the classical conditioning develops a
relationship between a stimulus and a behavior. The example can be further elaborated as
the child may learn to salivate at the sight of candy, or to tremble at the sight of an angry
parent. In the 20th century, the study of animal learning was commanded by the analysis of
these two sorts of learning, and they are still at the core of behavior analysis.

Social Learning Theory

The key assumptions of social learning theory are as follows −
 Learning is not exactly behavioral, instead it is a cognitive process that takes place in a

social context.

Learning can occur by observing a behavior and by observing the outcomes of the

behavior (known as vicarious reinforcement).

Learning includes observation, extraction of information from those observations, and

making decisions regarding the performance of the behavior (known as observational

learning or modeling). Thus, learning can occur beyond an observable change in

behavior.

Reinforcement plays an important role in learning but is not completely responsible for

learning.

The learner is not a passive receiver of information. Understanding, environment, and

behavior all mutually influence each other.

Cognitive Learning Theory

Cognition defines a person‟s ideas, thoughts, knowledge, interpretation, understanding
about himself and environment. This theory considers learning as the outcome of
deliberate thinking on a problem or situation based upon known facts and responding in an
objective and more oriented manner. It perceives that a person learns the meaning of
various objects and events and also learns the response depending upon the meaning
assigned to the stimuli. This theory debates that the learner forms a cognitive structure in
memory which stores organized information about the various events that occurs.

Job satisfaction is the content experienced by employees at their job. It is the

positive response employees experience while doing their job.
If employees are satisfied with their jobs, they feel motivated and happy. Employees
feel satisfied when they gain what they have been hoping for from the job. This could
include career growth, a better salary, a good working environment, etc.

Job Satisfaction Examples

Employees consider a job satisfying when it aligns with their goals and expectations.
They want it to be fulfilling, challenging, and fun. Let's take a look at different examples
that display job satisfaction.
 • Location: A person who works at a lively and beautiful location close to their
home, with an urban office building, will be more satisfied at their
job than someone who has to travel hours to get to their office in an unpleasant
surrounding.

• Culture: Culture affects the job satisfaction of an employee. If the

culture - the communication flow, power difference, freedom of
expression, etc. - aligns with the habits and expectations of the
employee, it increases the chances of job satisfaction.

• Tasks: If the daily tasks are challenging and different, employees feel rewarded
after accomplishing them. It makes the job more interesting than when
employees perform mundane tasks, giving them a sense of satisfaction.

• Employee Relations: If employees have healthy relationships and trust in

themselves, it leads to a happy and calm working atmosphere. It contributes to
job satisfaction.

Outcomes of Job Satisfaction

So, what are the benefits of job satisfaction?

• Productivity - satisfied employees typically perform better and

generate more output.

• Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) - employees

experiencing job satisfaction tend to be more helpful and positive. They
speak highly about their organization, are willing to help others, and
exceed expectations.

• Satisfied customers - employees can only provide their customers

with the best service when they are satisfied with their job. Therefore,
satisfied employee equals satisfied customers.

• Satisfying life - for most people, their job plays a critical role in their
life, as they spend the majority of their time doing it. Hence, their
overall happiness can depend on whether they are satisfied with their
job or not.