Trait personality theories to understand people at work
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1.How can the theories so far help you understand those with whom you work?
2.What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of trait theory?
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Solution Summary
The solution discusses various trait personality theories in relation to their utilization to understand people at the work place. A list of the strengths and weaknesses of trait personality theories has been included.
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1.Human traits are identifiable, stable qualities, which enable us to characterize an individual from others.
The three major functions of traits are meant to summarize, predict, and explain an individual's conduct/character.
A brief discussion of trait theories will enable to identify and characterize the traits of people with whom we work, and help us to understand them better.
Allport's Disposition Theory:
Allport opines that each individual has a unique set of personality traits known as personal dispositions.
Allport divided personality traits into three categories namely; Cardinal, Central, and Secondary traits.
Cardinal Traits: These traits are those which appear predominantly in most of the behavior of an individual, thus the entire life revolves around it. For instance, some people are so devoted to achievement to such an extent that it pervades throughout their lives.
Central Traits: These traits are less pervasive as compared to cardinal traits but are generalized in nature. They can be seen during an individual's routine interactions in daily life. They assist in understand a person.
Secondary Traits:These traits are specific and narrow in nature, and known as attitudes. They are the traits which are exhibited in certain specific situations. They can be easily modified as compared to central traits.
Thus, Allport's theory claims that all people are unique, as each individual has a different combination of traits. Allport suggests that ...
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