Personality in Practice

Assignment 1: Personality in Practice

Each person's personality is unique, although the dimensions along which we all vary have been identified. The Big Five personality traits are five broad dimensions of personality that are used to describe human personality. The Big Five has been preferably used rather than other models because it is able to account for different traits in personality without overlapping. In studies, the Big Five personality traits show consistency and have been found across a wide range of participants of different ages and of different cultures (Schacter, Gilbert, & Wegner, 2011). Personality influences/impacts many aspects of organizational behavior.

For this assignment, use the Internet to find a free online version of the Big Five personality test. Then, using the Argosy University online library resources, research your personality type and gain strong understanding of each of the five dimensions.

Respond to the following:

• List three dimensions of organizational culture. Then, using the Big Five dimensions of personality, explain how personality in general and your personality type specifically might be used to determine a good organizational culture–personality fit. Provide concrete examples.
• Using the Big Five dimensions of personality, discuss how personality in general and your personality type specifically might have a bearing on your satisfaction in working when working in either a tall or a flat organizational structure. Discuss both.
• Examine how personality might be a determining factor in motivation.
• Personality testing is customary in many industries for selection. Discuss the ethical implications.

Write your initial response in approximately 400–500 words. Apply APA standards to the citation of sources. Use scholarly references to support your work.

Submission Details:

• By Saturday, February 14, 2015, post your responses to this Discussion Area.
• Through Wednesday, February 18, 2015, respond to at least two of your classmates' posts. While responding, identify the similarities and differences between what you have constructed and what your classmates have. Consider the following in your response:
• Elaborate on organizational culture–personality fit.
• Provide an opposing position on working in either a tall or a flat organizational structure.
• Provide research findings on how personality influences motivation.
• State your own thoughts on the use of personality tests in the hiring process.

Schacter, D. L., Gilbert, D. T., & Wegner, D. M. (2011). Psychology (2nd ed., pp.
           474–475). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.