What is Personality?

Definition: Personality is the sum total of ways in which an individual reacts to and interacts with others. According to Gordon Allport, “Personality is the dynamic organization within the individual of those psychophysical systems that determine his unique adjustments to his environment.”

According to Robbins, “Personality is the relatively stable set of characteristics that influence an individual’s behaviour.”

It implies consistency – person behaves somewhat consistently across situations and time. It includes physical appearance, intelligence, attitude, temperament, character and social behaviour. Personality is unique, relatively stable, learnt and influenced by both heredity and environment.

Nature / Characteristics:

1. Unique and specific – no two persons identical
2. Reflects inner and outer behaviour
3. Dynamic and evolving, yet stable pattern
4. Goal-directed
5. Integrated whole of traits

Major Theories: Trait Theory (Big Five – OCEAN: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism), Psychoanalytic (Freud), Humanistic (Maslow, Rogers), Social Learning Theory (Bandura).

Factors Determining Personality

Personality is product of Heredity × Environment × Situation. Important determinants:

1. Biological / Hereditary Factors

• Heredity: Physical stature, facial attractiveness, gender, temperament, energy level transmitted genetically. Twin studies show heredity explains ~50% personality.
• Brain and Physical Structure: Nervous system, hormonal balance affect temperament.
• Constitution: Sheldon’s somatotypes – endomorph, mesomorph, ectomorph linked to temperament.

2. Family Factors

Most crucial environmental factor, especially early childhood:

• Parental behaviour, socio-economic status, family size, birth order (first-born more responsible), child-rearing practices (democratic vs authoritarian). Identification with parents shapes values and habits.

3. Social and Cultural Factors

• Culture: Determines norms, beliefs, values, independence vs collectivism. Western culture fosters individualism; Indian culture emphasizes family dependency.
• Socialization: Interaction with relatives, friends, peers, school, neighbourhood teaches roles, responsibilities and social skills.
• Social Group Membership: Reference groups, community influence attitudes.

4. Situational Factors

Personality is situational – same person may be dominant in office but submissive at home. Specific situations (stress, crisis, success) demand different behaviour. Modern contingency view emphasizes Person × Situation interaction.

5. Other Factors

• Education and Experience: Learning, successes/failures, life experiences shape self-concept.
• Organization: Role, organizational climate, job characteristics influence personality at work (e.g., bureaucratic organization may make person more disciplined).
• Psychological Factors: Intelligence, motivation, interests, perception.

Conclusion: Personality is neither fully innate nor fully learned. As per Lewin’s formula $B = f(P, E)$ – Behaviour is function of Person and Environment. For managers, understanding Big Five traits helps in selection, job fit, team building and leadership development. Personality can be shaped but not drastically changed.