Chapter 2 Flashcards
Personality
The relatively stable set of characteristics that influence the way an individual interacts with his or her environment.
Dispositional approach
Individuals possess stable traits or characteristics that influence their attitudes or behaviours
Situational approach
Characteristics of the organization environment influence people’s attitudes and behaviours
Interactionist approach
Individual’s attitudes and behaviour are a product of both dispositions and the environment
“strong” situation
A situation in which there is a clear expectation of expected behaviour.
- defined rules
- personality is less important
“weak” situation
A situation in which it is not always clear how one should behave
- few defined rules
- weak reward/punishment
- roles are loosely defined
- personality takes over
Does personality have the most impact in strong or weak situations?
Weak situations
Trait activation theory
Personality traits lead to certain behaviours only when the situation makes the need for the trait salient
Five Factor Model of Personality
- Extraversion (social/talkative vs withdrawn/shy)
- Emotional stability (stable/confident vs anxious/depressed)
- Agreeableness (Tolerant/cooperative vs cold/rude)
- Conscientiousness (Dependable/responsible vs careless/impulsive)
- Openness to experience (Curious/original vs dull/unimaginative)
Positive affectivity
- Viewing the world in a positive light
- Cheerful, enthusaistic, sociable, energetic
Negative affectivity
- View the world in a negative light
- Unhappy, stressed, depressed
Pro-active personality
- People who take initiative
- driven by desire to improve one’s circumstances by behaving proactively
Self-efficacy
Belief in one’s ability to be successful. Develops over years.
Learning
A relatively permanent change in behaviour potential that occurs due to practice or experience
Practical skills (give example)
job-specific skills, knowledge, tech competence
Intrapersonal skills (give example)
problem solving, critical thinking, risk taking
Interpersonal skills (give example)
Communication, teamwork, conflict resolution
Operant learning theory
Learning by which the subject learns to operate the environment to achieve certain consequences. Specifically, the subject learns the connection between behaviour and consequence.
Reinforcement
The process by which stimuli strengthen behaviours (or rather, strengthens probability of behaviour occurring)
Positive reinforcement
The application or addition of a stimulus that increases or maintains the probability of some behaviours. Think “carrot”
Negative reinforcement
The removal of a stimulus that in turn increases or maintains the probability of some behaviour. Think “car buzzer that goes off until you put your seatbelt on”