Trait theory is an approach to personality theory in psychology.
The emotions, thoughts
and behavior patterns that a person has are typically referred to as a personality (Kassin,
2003) and can vary immensely between individuals. In making the area amenable to
scientific enquiry some, using the statistical technique of factor analysis, have
hypothesized that the personality contains prominent aspects that are stable across
situations called traits. In particular, Eysenck (1967,1991) has suggested that personality
is reducible to three major traits (3F), though others (e.g. McCrae and Costa, 1987) have
suggested there are five (5F). There are other proponents who suggest there are more
factors than this (e.g. Saucier and Goldberg, 1998; Raymond Cattell, 1970).
A trait is what we call a characteristic way in which an individual perceives, feels,
believes, or acts. When we casually describe someone, we are likely to use trait terms: I
am, for example, somewhat of an introvert, a pretty nervous person, strongly attached to
my family, frequently depressed, and (if I do say so myself) very intelligent. I have a
good sense of humor, fond of languages, very fond of good food, not at all fond of
exercise, and a little obsessive. It’s just an example of ten traits that actually go a long
way towards describing a person.
Psychologists, especially personologists, are very interested in traits. They are especially
interested in finding which traits are broad and possibly genetically based, as opposed to
ones that are rather peculiar and change easily. Over the years, we have had a number of
theories that attempt to describe the key traits of human beings.
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For example when a person is working in the company, he/she could have lots of traits
that are normally known as characteristics. A supervisor for example can have good
leadership skills, good communication skills, good management skills etc that can be said
in general as the supervisor’s traits.
Phenomenological Tradition
This tradition mainly concentrates on how people experience the world around them. It
emphasizes our capacity to construct our own meaning from or experiences. This theory
is also known as humanism. This theory states that if we are to fulfill our potential, we
must be open to our experience.
For example if an employees wants to be successful in his/her life they should expose
themselves to the working environment. They need to experiment their skills, they need
to expose their ideas and skills and show to others that they have capabilities and skills to
do things, which will help them to move forward at their works. For example giving
ideas to the supervisor or manager for the betterment of the job or showing and sharing
their experiences with the juniors where they can expose their experiences and do good at
their work place.
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Attitudes at work
In the world of work, employers not only look at your ability to apply your technical
skills & knowledge effectively on the job, they also look at your attitude at work. Positive
attitudes in the workplace are recognised and valued by employers. Here are some
positive work attitudes that employers look for.
Attitudes counts a lot in the companies and the employees needs to have positive attitudes
so as to progress in the company. Negatives attitudes always lead to conflicts, which will
leave negative impact in the company. Following are some of the suggestions for the
employees on how to have positive attitude to impress their seniors and work in a healthy
environment.
Positive attitude towards colleagues and supervisor
It is important to develop good interpersonal and social skills at the workplace. Be
friendly and cooperative to your colleagues, respectful to your supervisor, and polite and
helpful to customers. If you get along well with people and they like you, they are more
likely to help you when you need things done fast.
Positive attitude towards learning
Being new to the job, you should know and learn the job fast. Seek help from your
colleagues and ask when you are in doubt about an assignment or project. Do not draw
lines as to what you are supposed to do and what you are not supposed to do. Be willing
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to accept responsibilities for tasks outside your scope of work. This will not only enable
you to learn new skills, but also result in job enrichment and personal satisfaction.
Positive attitude towards change
As companies face new challenges, employers need workers who are flexible and willing
to try new or different plans in order to achieve new set of goals and targets. Don't say
"But we've been doing it this way for a long time". Find out first if the new way of doing
things is better. If it is, spend time learning to do it the better way.
Don't wait to be told what to do
Learn to be pro-active and take the initiative to get things done without being told.
Employers appreciate workers who can work without close supervision. There are times
when you need to go beyond the normal job requirements.
Be Punctual
This applies both to being on time for work everyday and meeting the deadline for a
project or assignment. Being late for work frequently sends a message to your supervisor
that you are not interested in your work.
