Page 248 - DMGT106_MANAGING_HUMAN_ELEMENTS_AT_WORK

Managing Human Element at Work

Notes 11.3 The “Big Five” Individual Theory

Since personality comprises of many elements, psychologists work to identify critical factors
that help people observe and understand an individual’s style and behavioural pattern. One
such set of factors is referred to by some psychologists as the “Big Five” and the theory of
individual based on the factors identified is known as the Big Five model. According to the
proponents of this theory, these five factors can be used to explain possibly most of the
differences in human personality. Each factor represents one aspect of an individual’s
personality and style. The Big Five factors are as follows:
11.3.1 Extraversion
This component of the big five focuses on the comfort level of an individual in their
interactions with others. For example, an individual’s behaviour may range from being
assertive, outgoing, talkative, open (extraversion) to being timid, quiet, and reserved
(introversion).
11.3.2 Agreeableness

This refers to an individual’s behaviour towards others while interacting with them. For
example, the behaviour may range from being warm, cooperative, and close (high
agreeableness) to cold, antagonistic, and distant (low agreeableness).
11.3.3 Conscientiousness

This dimension of Big Five refers to the extent to which individuals show consistent and
reliable behaviour while working in an organization. An individual’s style may range from
being highly responsible, dependable, reliable, and consistent (high conscientiousness) to
being unreliable, disorganized, and inconsistent (low conscientiousness); from performing
work in a detailed and structured manner to performing work in a general and spontaneous
way.

11.3.4 Emotional Stability
This refers to the ability of an individual to control his or her emotions at the time of crisis.
Individuals with high stability are more controlled with their emotions and are calm and
self-confident. On the other hand, those with low emotional stability are more nervous,
depressed, and insecure in their approach.

11.3.5 Openness to Experience
This dimension measures the individual’s ability to be open to any kind of experience that
helps him or her to do the job effectively. Individuals who are open to experience are more
approachable, creative, and sensitive. However, those who are less open to experience are
conservative in their approach and feel uncomfortable in a new environment.
Here is a list of things that help you in self management and which will in turn lead you
to the path of success:
• Look at every new opportunity as an exciting and new-life experience.
• Be a professional who exhibits self-confidence and self-assurance in your potential to
complete any task.
• Agree with yourself in advance that you will have a good attitude toward the upcoming
task.

• Frequently ask, “Is what I am doing right now moving me toward my goals?”
• Does it right the first time and you will not have to take time later to fix it.

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