Meaning and Characteristics of Personality in Organizational Behavior

Personality, derived from the Latin word ‘persona’ meaning mask or character, comprises the unique blend of thoughts, feelings and behaviors that define an individual. It reflects how we interact with others, adapt to situations and view the world around us. Shaped by both internal traits and external influences, personality plays a key role in shaping our behavior, relationships and overall life experiences.

Meaning of Personality

The word personality is derived from the Latin word ‘persona’ which means mask or dress up. The actors who lived in Greece and Rome used masks to perform plays, so from here the word personality came, they used to express their things using masks. Similarly, personality means how you behave with peoples.

For example, see the picture below where it is shown that if you wear a mask of a young face, it will express that you are young. And if you wear a mask of an old man, it will express that you are playing the role of an old man.

Personality is what allows predicting what an individual will do in a given situation, it defines a person’s recurring psychological patterns or feelings, emotions, beliefs and behavior. It represents the overall profile or combination of stable traits that reflect a person’s unique nature. Thus, personality is a reflection of a person’s overall behavior. It is the sum of all actions and reactions of an individual towards other individuals. Every person has a unique personality and they act differently in different situations according to their personality traits.

Personality has both external and internal components. External characteristics or physical attributes are measurable functions based on which we draw conclusions about a person’s personality. Internal factors or cognitive characteristics are inherently more complex feelings, thoughts, perceptions, values ​​and interests.

Every manager must have an understanding of the personality dimensions of employees in order to manage them. Managers have to use various motivation techniques to influence the behavior of their employees as it is a mixture of certain characteristics or qualities that defines the character of a person. Personality does not develop spontaneously. It develops over time.

Definition of Personality

Personality is the study of an individual’s distinctive traits, the inter-relationships among them, and the way in which an individual reacts and adjusts to other people and situations.

Kolasa

Personality as the sum of the ways in which an individual reacts and interacts with others.

Stephen P. Robbins

Characteristics of personality

1. Personality is something that is unique in every individual

– Personality refers to internal qualities like thoughts and feelings as well as external qualities like behavior and appearance. These qualities, influenced by genetic factors, life experiences, and personal choices, form a unique personal identity that no one else can replicate exactly like. It is not possible for a person to replicate or copy the personality traits of another person, i.e. two individuals cannot have the same personality, the traits may be similar but the overall personality is unique.

For example: In an organization, consider two employees, Maria and John. Maria is a dynamic project manager who loves to lead meetings and motivate her team with her passionate and sociable personality. On the other hand, John is a meticulous software developer who is adept at working independently and focuses on detailed coding tasks. Maria energizes the team with her leadership, while John ensures the quality and accuracy of the work. Their unique personalities make them valuable to the organization in different ways.

2. Personality represents a dynamic orientation towards the environment

-Personality represents a learning process, which means that it develops and evolves through continuous learning and adaptation to different situations. As individuals encounter different experiences and challenges, their interactions with the environment shape their personality traits over time.

For example: a shy child may become more sociable and confident through participation in school activities and teamwork, and later, more adaptable by handling responsibilities and stress in a fast-paced work environment. This gradual and continuous process demonstrates how personality is not static but is constantly shaped by our surroundings and experiences.

-Personality represents a dynamic orientation towards the environment, which also means that it develops and evolves through continuous learning and adaptation to different situations and people. As individuals encounter different experiences and interact with different people, their personality traits adjust accordingly. (You behave differently with different people)

For example: a person may be sociable and energetic with friends but reserved and professional with colleagues. This ability to adapt behavior depending on the environment and people involved shows how personality is not fixed but rather fluid and responsive.

3. Personality is greatly influenced by social interactions

-Personality is not an individual trait. It is the outcome of social interactions. In other words, it means that when we come in contact with other members of society, we are exposed to different behaviors, values ​​and attitudes that shape our traits and reactions to acquire certain characteristics. All these together constitute personality.

For example: from family members we can learn compassion and cooperation, while interactions with peers and colleagues teach us communication skills and professionalism. Our ability to adapt our behavior and express different aspects of our personality in different social contexts shows that our interactions with others play a vital role in defining who we are.

4. Personality represents a unique organization of continuous, dynamic and socially predetermined traits

In personality, various traits are not put together. In fact, they are integrated into one. This integration is nothing but the result of organization which may vary from individual to individual. The behavior of one person towards a particular person may differ from the behavior of another person. It represents a unique and organized combination of continuous, dynamic and socially predetermined traits in each individual. Instead of being a collection of unrelated traits, personality integrates various characteristics that defines how we think, feel and behave in different situations.

For example: someone who is naturally sociable and empathetic may display friendly and helpful behavior towards one person, but his interaction style with another person may be more reserved and analytical. This organization of personality traits is influenced by personal experiences, values, and social contexts, highlighting the uniqueness and complexity of each person’s behavior patterns and interpersonal dynamics.

5. Consistency

Consistency in personality refers to the tendency for individuals to display stable patterns of behavior, thoughts, and feelings across different situations and over time. This consistency allows others to predict how a person will respond or behave in different situations. It generally implies a recognizable order and regularity to behavior. Essentially, people act in similar ways across different situations.

For example: a person who is known to be punctual and organized at work is likely to display similar traits in their personal life. This consistency is rooted in internal factors such as values, beliefs, and temperament, as well as external factors such as social norms and expectations. It provides a sense of reliability and predictability in relationships and interactions, shaping how individuals are perceived and how they navigate their social and professional lives. While people may adapt their behavior to specific contexts, underlying personality traits often remain consistent, reflecting enduring aspects of their personality.

6. Psychological and physiological

-Personality is primarily understood as a psychological concept, shaped by the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that define a person’s character. However, research shows that biological processes and physiological needs also play an important role in shaping personality.

For example: genetics can influence temperament traits such as sensitivity to stress or sociability, which in turn influence how a person interacts with others and views the world. Additionally, physiological factors such as hormone levels or neurotransmitter activity can influence mood stability and emotional responses, which contribute to personality traits such as resilience or impulsivity. This holistic approach acknowledges that personality is not determined solely by psychological factors, but is also influenced by underlying biological mechanisms and individual qualities that together define who we are.

7. Personality impacts behaviors and actions

-Personality significantly influences our behavior and actions, shaping how we interact with and react to our environment. It is not just about how we move physically, but also what choices we make and how we deal with different situations.

For example: a person with a conscientious personality may display consistently organized and goal-oriented behavior, helping them to priorities tasks and meet deadlines effectively. On the other hand, a person with a more impulsive personality may act spontaneously, making decisions based on immediate desires or emotions. These behavioral tendencies are influenced by personality traits such as conscientiousness, impulsiveness, agreeableness and openness to experience, which show how our underlying characteristics guide our actions and interactions across diverse contexts.

8. Multiple Expressions

-Personality is manifested not only through our behaviors but also in our thoughts, feelings, and relationships with others. It includes a wide range of expressions that shape how we view the world and interact with those around us.

For example: a person with a compassionate personality not only behaves kindly toward others but also thinks empathetically and feels deeply about the feelings of others. In close relationships, personality affects how we communicate, resolve conflicts, and show affection. Additionally, our personality traits can influence our beliefs, values, and attitudes, influencing how we face challenges and make decisions in various aspects of life. This multiplicity of expressions underscores the complexity and depth of personality as it affects every aspect of our psychological and social experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personality:

Conclusion of Personality

In short, personality is the sum of our psychological makeup, influenced by genetics, life experiences and social interactions. It manifests not only in our actions but also in our thoughts, feelings and relationships. Understanding personality helps us predict behavior, manage relationships effectively and navigate life’s challenges with insight and empathy, highlighting its profound impact on every aspect of human existence.