CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT

The Meaning of Personality
The term "Personality" is derived from the Latin word persona, which means
"mask". Among the Greeks, actors used a mask to hide their identity on stage.
This dramatic technique was later adopted by the Romans to whom persona
denoted "as one appears to others." not as one actually is. Personality
consciousness in the American culture of today stems from the belief that a
pleasing personality is a guarantee of success and happiness. Personality is of
great significance in all areas of our complex society.
As per modern management concepts, "Personality is the Brand Image of an
individual. “It is made up of three broad aspects,
1. Character 2. Behavioural traits 3. Attitude
Personality development is the improvement of behavioural traits such as
communication skills, interpersonal relationships, attitude towards life and
restoring our ethics. Character is the prerequisite to achieve a better individual
personality. There are several behavioural scientists who argue that improving
behavioural traits in a short-cut course of fifteen days to develop personality can
effectively influence others and help to win the race. But we must never forget
that excellent behavioural traits such as communication skills, interpersonal
relationships, higher order of motivational levels and excellent leadership
qualities also fail miserably at the time of crisis if not based on solid character
foundation.
Behaviour is just the showcase of the larger inventory inside a person, i.e.
character. If personality is developed on the solid base of values and ethics, it will
last forever. Fake smiles and mannerisms are short-lived and do not help in
improving one's personality behavioural traits in a short-cut course of fifteen days
to develop personality can effectively influence others and help to win the race.
But we must never forget that excellent behavioural traits such as communication
skills, interpersonal relationships, higher order of motivational levels and
excellent leadership qualities also fail miserably at the time of crisis if not based
on solid character foundation.
Personality Development – What are the Right Moves?
The world is getting tougher and with globalization becoming a reality executives
need to be smarter and polished enough to take up responsibilities with
confidence and self-awareness. The personality factor has proved to be the key to
modern corporate and business success. The most important prerequisite for such
success is Personality with a capital P. It is true that not everyone is born with
presence and style. "Personality re-engineering" can do the needful. Personality
re-engineering helps groom the new generation executives and provides a
finishing touch along with mannerisms, etiquette, diction and stress management.
Personality development can help a person in the following ways:
• To learn the business etiquette of exchanging cards wishing on first
meeting, bowing when you are visiting Japan, and the like.
• Voice modulation, diction, communication skills, phone etiquette, hygiene,
empowerment skills, time management and positive thinking.
• To cultivate a friendly, interactive manner. Essentials like giving a speech,
voice development and modulation of voice.
• Personality development can help teach a marketing executive the art of
convincing clients with charm and well-presented arguments.
• Personal projection is done with personality development. All other things
remaining equal, personal projection is what makes or breaks a commercial
relationship.
• Every person can realize his full potential. The personality development
course helps in enhancing the sense of confidence and self-worth.

Developing one's personality is a lifelong process that involves self-awareness,

self-reflection, and intentional efforts to enhance personal qualities and skills.
Here are some suggested moves for personality development:
Self-reflection: Take time to understand yourself, your strengths, weaknesses,
values, beliefs, and goals. Reflect on your past experiences and how they have
shaped you. Self-reflection helps in gaining clarity about who you are and what
you want to become.
Set goals: Establish clear and achievable goals that align with your values and
aspirations. Setting goals provides a sense of direction and purpose, and it allows
you to focus your efforts on personal growth.
Continuous learning: Cultivate a mindset of continuous learning and personal
growth. Seek out opportunities to acquire new knowledge, skills, and
experiences. This can be through formal education, reading books, attending
seminars or workshops, or engaging in hobbies and activities that challenge you.
Develop emotional intelligence: Emotional intelligence involves understanding
and managing your emotions effectively and empathizing with others. Work on
developing self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills. This can
improve your relationships, communication, and overall emotional well-being.
Enhance communication skills: Effective communication is crucial for personal
and professional success. Develop your verbal and nonverbal communication
skills, active listening, and assertiveness. Practice expressing your thoughts and
ideas clearly and respectfully.
Build self-confidence: Work on building self-confidence and self-esteem.
Celebrate your strengths and achievements, challenge self-doubt and negative
self-talk, and embrace a positive mindset. Engage in activities that push you out
of your comfort zone and help you grow.
Cultivate resilience: Life inevitably brings challenges and setbacks. Developing
resilience allows you to bounce back from difficulties and adapt to change.
Cultivate resilience by maintaining a positive outlook, practicing self-care,
seeking support from others, and learning from failures and setbacks.
Cultivate positive relationships: Surround yourself with positive and supportive
people who inspire and motivate you. Build and nurture meaningful relationships
based on trust, respect, and mutual growth. Positive relationships can enhance
your well-being and contribute to personal development.
Practice self-care: Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep,
relaxation techniques, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and
fulfillment. Self-care provides the foundation for personal growth and resilience.
Be authentic: Embrace your true self and be authentic in your thoughts, actions,
and interactions. Avoid trying to please others or conforming to societal
expectations. Authenticity fosters self-acceptance, genuine connections, and a
sense of purpose.
We need to Remember that, personality development is a unique journey for each
individual. It requires patience, commitment, and self-reflection. Celebrate your
progress and be open to continuous growth and improvement.

PERSONALITY THEORIES
Psychoanalytic Theory (Sigmund Freud): Developed by Sigmund Freud, this
theory suggests that personality is influenced by unconscious thoughts, desires,
and early childhood experiences. Freud proposed three components of
personality: the id (unconscious desires), the ego (mediator between the id and
reality), and the superego (internalized social norms and morals).
Trait Theory: This perspective focuses on identifying and measuring the
individual traits that make up a person's personality. Traits are stable and enduring
characteristics that can be used to predict behaviour. The Five-Factor Model (also
known as the Big Five) is a popular trait theory that identifies five major
personality traits: openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion,
agreeableness, and neuroticism (OCEAN).
Behavioural Theory: Behavioural theories emphasize the influence of the
environment on shaping an individual's personality. They suggest that behaviour
is learned through conditioning, reinforcement, and observation of others.
Humanistic Theory: Humanistic theories, such as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
and Carl Rogers' Person-Centered Theory, emphasize individual growth, self-
actualization, and the importance of personal experiences in shaping personality.
They focus on the inherent goodness and potential for growth within individuals.
Social-Cognitive Theory: This theory, proposed by Albert Bandura, emphasizes
the interaction between a person's environment, cognitive processes, and
behaviour. It suggests that individuals learn from observing others (social
learning) and that self-efficacy, or one's belief in their abilities, plays a significant
role in shaping behaviour.
Cognitive Theory: Cognitive theories of personality focus on how an individual's
thoughts, beliefs, and interpretations influence their personality and behaviour.
They emphasize the role of cognitive processes in determining how people
perceive and respond to the world around them.
Biological Theory: This perspective emphasizes the role of genetics, brain
structure, and biochemical processes in shaping personality traits and behavior.
Evolutionary Theory: Evolutionary theories of personality propose that certain
traits and behaviours are the result of natural selection and have evolved to
enhance survival and reproduction.
COMPONENTS of PERSONALITY
Personality is a complex and multi-dimensional construct. Different theories of
personality propose various components that contribute to an individual's unique
character and behaviour. While the exact components may vary depending on the
theoretical perspective, here are some common components that are often
discussed in the study of personality:
Traits: Traits are stable and enduring characteristics that influence an individual's
behaviour, thoughts, and emotions. Traits can be described as a person's typical
patterns of thinking, feeling, and acting. The Five-Factor Model (Big Five)
includes five major personality traits: openness to experience, conscientiousness,
extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.
Temperament: Temperament refers to innate, biologically-based behavioural
tendencies that emerge early in life and have a strong genetic component. It lays
the foundation for the development of personality traits and influences how
individuals respond to their environment.
Cognition: Cognitive processes play a significant role in shaping personality.
This includes an individual's thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and cognitive styles.
Cognitive patterns can influence how people perceive and interpret the world
around them, affecting their behaviour and emotional responses.
Emotions: Emotional experiences are an integral part of personality. The range
and intensity of emotions, as well as how individuals regulate and express them,
are important components of personality.
Self-Concept: Self-concept refers to an individual's beliefs and perceptions about
themselves, including their strengths, weaknesses, values, and identity. How a
person sees themselves contributes to their overall personality.
Social Interactions: Personality is also shaped by an individual's social
interactions and relationships. How one interacts with others, their social skills,
and the roles they adopt in different social contexts are relevant components.
Motivation: Motivational factors, including needs, desires, and goals, influence
a person's behaviour and choices. Motivational patterns contribute to personality
development and expression.
Self-Efficacy and Locus of Control: Self-efficacy is a person's belief in their
ability to accomplish tasks and achieve goals. Locus of control refers to an
individual's perception of the level of control they have over their life. Both
factors influence personality and behaviour.
Unconscious Processes: According to some theories, unconscious thoughts,
desires, and memories have a significant impact on personality and behaviour,
even if individuals are not consciously aware of them.
Culture and Environment: Cultural norms, societal expectations, and
environmental factors can influence the development and expression of
personality traits and behaviours.
It is important to note that different personality theories may emphasize different
components and their interactions. Additionally, personality is a dynamic
construct that can change and adapt over time in response to life experiences,
learning, and personal growth.
DETERMINANTS OF PERSONALITY
Personality represents a process of change and it relates to the psychological
growth and development of individuals. While it may be possible to detect
underlying personality characteristics, these characteristics may be useful only at
that point of time and only for a limited number of situations. Therefore, it
becomes important to know the factors that cause a given personality to change
or develop. Managers can deal more effectively. then, if they understand how an
individual's personality develops. There are various determinants of personality
and these have been categorised in different ways. McClelland has categorised
these factors into four fundamental theories: traits (acquired propensity to
respond), schema (beliefs, frame of reference, major orientations, ideas, and
values), motives (inner drives), and self-schema (observation of one's own
behaviour). Similarly, Scott and Mitchell have classified various determinants
into heredity, groups, and cultural factors, both physiological and psychological
which play important role in human personality. These factors are interrelated and
interdependent. However, for the purpose of analysis, these can be classified into
four broad categories:
1. Biological factors, 2. Family and social factors,
3. Cultural factors, 4. Situational factors.
BIOLOGICAL FACTORS
The general characteristics of human biological system influence the way in
which human being tends to sense external event data, interpret, and respond to
them. The study of the biological contribution to personality can be divided into
three major categories-heredity, brain, and physical features.
Heredity: Heredity is the transmission of the qualities from ancestor to
descendant through a mechanism lying primarily in the chromosomes of the germ
cells. Heredity predisposes to certain physical, mental, and emotional states. It
has been established through research on animals that, physical and psychological
characteristics can be transmitted through heredity. However, such a conclusive
proof is not available for human beings, though psychologists and geneticists
have drawn the conclusion that heredity plays an important role in personality.
Brain: The second biological factor is brain which is supposed to play role in
shaping personality. Though not conclusive as yet, physiologists and
psychologists have studied the structure of human brain and have divided it into
two parts: left hemisphere which lies in the right side of the body and right
hemisphere which lies in the left side of the body. Depending on the structure of
the brain, an individual's personality develops. For example, Trotter has provided
the characteristics and dimensions attributed to the left and right hemisphere of
the brain.
Physical Features: The third biological factor determining personality formation
is physical characteristics and rate of maturation. An individual's external
appearance, which is biologically determined, is an important ingredient of
personality. In a narrow sense, personality is referred to physical features of a
person. However, it is not true if we take a comprehensive view of the personality.
A person's physical features have some influence on his personality because he
will influence others and, in turn, will affect his self-concept. Mussen observes
that "a child's physical characteristics may be related to his approach to the social
environment, to the expectancies of others, and to their reaction to him. These, in
turn, may have impact on personality development. Similarly, the rate of physical
maturation also affects personality because persons of varying maturity are
exposed to different physical and social situations and activities differently.
FAMILY AND SOCIAL FACTORS:
The development of the individual proceeds under the influence of many
socialising forces and agencies, from nuclear family to more distant or global
groupings. Family and social groups have most significant impact on personality
development. These groups have their impact through socialisation and
identification processes.
Socialisation is a process by which an individual infant acquires, from the
enormously wide range of behavioural potentialities that are open to him at birth,
those behaviour patterns that are customary and acceptable according to the
standards of his family and social groups.
Socialisation process starts with initial contact between mother and her new
infant. Later on, other members of the family and social, groups influence the
socialisation process.
Identification process occurs when a person tries to identify himself with some
person whom he feels family. Generally, a child in the family tries to behave like
his father or mother. The identification process can be examined from three
different perspectives First, identification can be viewed as the similarity of
behaviour (including feelings and attitudes) between child and model. Second,
identification can be looked as the child's motives or desires to be like the model.
Third, it can be viewed as the process through which the child actually takes on
the attributes of the model.
Socialisation and identification process is influenced by home environment,
family members, and social groups.
Home Environment: Total home environment is a critical factor in personality
development. For example, children with markedly institutional upbringing or
children in a cold, unstimulating home have a much greater potential to be
emotionally maladjusted than children raised by parents in a warm, loving, and
stimulating environment. The key variable is not the parents per se but rather the
type of environment that is generated for the child.
Family Members: Parents and other family members have strong influence on
the personality, i.e. child. Parents have more effect on the personality
development as compared to other members of the family. The study by
Newcomb showed the high correlation between attitudes of parents and children
with a further consistency in patterns. The relationship between parents and
children was higher than that between the children and their teachers. Besides
parents, siblings (brothers and sisters) also contribute to personality.
Social Groups: Besides a person's home environment and family members, there
are other influences arising from the social placement of the family as the person
is exposed to agencies outside the home, particularly the school, friendship, and
other work groups. Similarly, socio-economic factors also affect personality
development.
CULTURAL FACTORS
Cultural factors play a significant role in shaping an individual's personality.
Culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, customs, traditions, and behaviours of
a particular group or society. Here are some ways in which cultural factors
influence personality:
Socialization: From a very young age, individuals are socialized into their
respective cultures. They learn the norms, values, and behaviours that are
considered appropriate and acceptable within their cultural context. This process
of socialization heavily influences the development of personality traits and
patterns of behaviour.
Collectivism vs. Individualism: Different cultures vary in their emphasis on
collectivism (emphasizing group harmony and interdependence) or individualism
(emphasizing personal autonomy and independence). These cultural orientations
can influence an individual's self-concept, social relationships, and behaviours.
Communication Styles: Cultural norms also shape how individuals
communicate and express themselves. Some cultures may encourage direct and
explicit communication, while others may value indirect or implicit
communication styles. These communication patterns can affect how personality
is expressed and perceived.
Values and Beliefs: Cultural values and beliefs often determine what is
considered important and meaningful in life. They shape a person's goals,
aspirations, and priorities, influencing personality development.
Role Expectations: Cultural roles and expectations define how individuals
should behave in various social roles, such as ascribing to gender roles, family
roles, or occupational roles. These role expectations impact personality
expression and social behaviour.
Emotional Expression: Cultural norms also influence how emotions are
expressed and regulated. Some cultures may encourage emotional
expressiveness, while others may value emotional restraint. These norms shape
emotional experiences and personality traits related to emotionality.
It's important to recognize that culture is not a monolithic entity, and there can be
significant variations within a culture due to factors such as subcultures, regional
differences, and individual experiences. Moreover, individuals may be influenced
by multiple cultures, such as their ethnic culture, national culture, and global
culture, which can create complex and diverse interactions in shaping personality.
SITUATIONAL FACTORS
Situational factors refer to the external circumstances and environmental
influences that can affect an individual's behaviour, emotions, and personality
expression in a given situation. While personality traits play a significant role in
shaping behaviour, situational factors also have a considerable impact. Here are
some ways in which situational factors influence personality:
Social Norms: The norms and expectations of a particular social context
influence how individuals behave. People tend to adjust their behaviour to
conform to the social norms of the group or society they are in. This can lead to
variations in personality expression depending on the specific social setting.
Cultural Context: As mentioned earlier, culture can be both a personality factor
and a situational factor. The cultural context of a situation can influence behaviour
and emotional responses. Different cultures may have specific rules and norms
for behaviour in certain situations, affecting how individuals express their
personalities.
Authority and Power: The presence of authority figures and power dynamics
can impact behaviour in a given situation. Individuals may act differently when
interacting with someone of higher authority compared to a peer or subordinate,
leading to situational variations in personality expression.
Social Roles: The roles individuals play in various social settings can influence
their behaviour. Different roles (e.g., parent, friend, employee) may evoke
different aspects of a person's personality, leading to variations in behaviour
across situations.
Environmental Stimuli: The physical environment, such as temperature,
lighting, and noise, can affect mood and behaviour. Situational factors in the
environment can influence how personality traits are expressed in a given context.
Time Constraints: Time pressures and deadlines in a situation can impact
behaviour and decision-making. Individuals may react differently under time
constraints, leading to variations in personality expression.
Social Support: The presence or absence of social support can influence how
individuals cope with challenging situations. Situational factors, such as the
availability of supportive peers or resources, can affect personality-related
responses to stress and adversity.
It's essential to recognize that while situational factors can influence behaviour,
personality traits still play a crucial role in shaping how individuals respond to
and interpret situational cues. The interaction between personality and situational
factors is complex and dynamic, contributing to the diversity of human behaviour
across different contexts.
MAPPING DIFFERENT PERSONALITY TYPES
Mapping different personality types can be a challenging task, as personality is a
complex and multi-dimensional construct. However, one common approach to
categorizing personality types is by using the Five-Factor Model (also known as
the Big Five). The Big Five personality traits are broad dimensions that capture
different aspects of personality. Here they are along with their typical
descriptions:
Openness to Experience: This trait reflects the degree to which an individual is
open-minded, curious, imaginative, and willing to explore new ideas and
experiences. People high in openness tend to be creative, open to new
experiences, and intellectually curious. Those low in openness may be more
traditional, cautious, and prefer routine.
Conscientiousness: Conscientiousness refers to the extent to which a person is
organized, responsible, dependable, and self-disciplined. Highly conscientious
individuals are reliable, goal-oriented, and tend to plan ahead. Those low in
conscientiousness may be more spontaneous and less concerned with order and
structure.
Extraversion: Extraversion measures the extent to which an individual is
outgoing, sociable, and seeks stimulation from the external environment.
Extraverts tend to be energetic, talkative, and enjoy social interactions. Introverts,
on the other hand, are more reserved, enjoy solitude, and may find socializing
draining.
Agreeableness: Agreeableness assesses how warm, kind, and cooperative a
person is in their interactions with others. Highly agreeable individuals are
compassionate, empathetic, and value harmony in relationships. Those low in
agreeableness may be more competitive and assertive.
Neuroticism (Emotional Stability): Neuroticism measures the tendency to
experience negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, and vulnerability. High
levels of neuroticism indicate emotional instability and heightened sensitivity to
stress. Low neuroticism is associated with emotional stability and resilience.

Using the Big Five framework, individuals can be characterized as having

varying levels of each trait, resulting in distinct personality types. For example:
High on all traits: An individual high on all five traits might be described as
"adaptable," "conscientious," "outgoing," "empathetic," and "emotionally stable."
Low on all traits: An individual low on all five traits might be described as
"unconventional," "impulsive," "introverted," "assertive," and "emotionally
sensitive."
High on some traits, low on others: Many people fall into this category, with
varying combinations of high and low scores on the five traits, leading to a wide
array of personality types.
It's important to note that personality is a continuous and dynamic spectrum, and
individuals may display different personality traits to varying degrees in different
situations and across the lifespan. Furthermore, other personality theories and
models may categorize and describe personality types differently, emphasizing
different dimensions or frameworks.