6. Explain Concept and Determinants of Personality. ( Management Principles and Organizational Behaviour Mcom-l- 2025 )
1. Concept of Personality
Personality is the sum total of physical, mental and social characteristics of an individual which make him different from others.
Gordon Allport defined personality as “the dynamic organisation within the individual of those psychophysical systems that determine his unique adjustments to the environment.”
In simple words, personality is the pattern of thinking, feeling and behaving that gives a person his distinctive identity. Determinants of Personality
2. Characteristics of Personality
(i) Personality is unique – Each person has his own distinct pattern of traits.
(ii) Personality is relatively stable – It does not change rapidly; it develops gradually.
(iii) Personality is organised – Various traits are related and form an integrated whole.
(iv) Personality is dynamic – It grows and changes with experience and learning.
(v) Personality is both psychological and physical – It includes mental qualities (attitudes, motives) and physical features (appearance, energy). Determinants of Personality
3. Determinants of Personality
(a) Heredity
Heredity refers to the biological transmission of traits from parents to children through genes.
• It determines physical structure (height, complexion, body build).
• It also influences abilities like intelligence, temperament and emotional tendencies.
Heredity provides the basic foundation, but the environment shapes it further.
(b) Environment
Environment includes all external factors influencing personality after birth. Major environmental influences are:
1. Family and Home
• Parenting style (loving/harsh, democratic/authoritarian) shapes values, confidence and emotional stability.
• Sibling relationships also influence cooperation, rivalry and social behaviour. Determinants of Personality
2. Culture and Sub-culture
• Culture teaches traditions, beliefs, customs and acceptable behaviour.
• Attitudes towards authority, gender roles and social behaviour come largely from culture.
3. Social Groups and Education
• School, peer groups and neighborhoods shape interests, habits and social skills.
• Teachers and friends influence attitudes, discipline and communication style. Determinants of Personality
4. Socio-economic Conditions
• Economic background affects opportunities, aspirations and life goals.
• Urban/rural environments also shape lifestyle and personality traits.
(c) Situational Factors
Situations like success, failure, crisis, promotion, unemployment etc. influence behaviour temporarily or permanently.
• A person may behave differently in different situations.
• Life events modify or strengthen existing personality traits.
(d) Biological and Physical Factors
• Functioning of the nervous system and hormonal glands affects mood, emotions and energy. Determinants of Personality
• Physical health or disability also influences confidence, behaviour and emotional stability.
(e) Psychological Factors
• Learning and experience shape attitudes, habits and behaviour patterns.
• Motives and needs (achievement, power, affiliation) determine how a person interacts with others.
• Self-concept and self-esteem influence confidence and emotional behaviour.
4. Conclusion
Personality is a unique, organised and dynamic set of characteristics influenced by heredity, environment, situations, biological and psychological factors. No single factor determines personality; it is the result of the combined effect of all these determinants. Determinants of Personality
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