The Individual

To understand an individual we have to look into their biographical characteristics, abilities, and personality.

Biographical Characteristics
Age There is a list of reasons why age is an important factor when employing someone. Age impacts on ones behaviour in an organization. Older workers are considered to be more responsible, as they are more experienced, they already have families, and are therefore more committed to their jobs. Marital Status It is preferable to have a married worker and couples with children. However couples with children want a family life. If their partner transfers then he/she will also want to move jobs. Sick children, marital stress and family stress also affects their work. Experience Tenure of the person is important; how long they have worked for in the specific field, and how long they long they work at a particular job is an indication of stability and commitment. Gender With younger people there is a preference for men. Women are discriminated against because they may have children and thus be distracted or away for a period of time. However women with a strong masculine side are perceived as better managers. If the job requires physical strength then men are preferred for the job.

Abilities
Physical Ability Some jobs require the worker to have certain physical abilities, they need physical strength. This impacts on ones ability to do a job well. Intellectual Ability This can be indicated by education. If a person has no education we need to determine their capacity to learn, thus giving them the opportunity to develop this ability.

Personality
Personality is inherited and is also shaped by ones environment. It is a dynamic concept, and evolves/develops from childhood to adult hood. Certain personalities are suited better for certain jobs. Personality traits are important in terms of how you do a job.

Eysencks Description of certain Personality Traits

Extroverts People described extroverts as sociable, assertive people, who are comfortable with relationships. They are thus desirable in the workplace. Agreeableness To what extent does a person agree with others? Agreeableness is a measure of how accommodating a person is. Agreeable people are good-natured people. Conscientiousness This is a desirable trait as it describes how honest, reliable, hardworking and committed someone is. Emotional Stability Is the person prone to mood swings? Do they have mental disorders? This is not related to emotional stability but people are often disadvantaged in the workplace if they suffer any mental disorder Openness to Experience Is the person willing to try new things? This describes how creative and innovative someone is. Do they have new ideas? Are they responsive to others new ideas? Are they willing to go with change?

Other Personality Traits

Locus of Control Internal locus: This is a desirable trait. People with an internal locus of control believe that they are in charge of their own worlds; they can take charge/control/responsibility. External locus: People with an external locus of control tend to blame others. They cannot acknowledge their own achievements. Machievellianism This is when people are not moral/ethical. They engage in tricks, they manipulate/deceive others in order to get what they want. Risk Taking People either have high tendency to take risks, or a low tendancy. Self-monitoring This is ones ability to adapt to any situation. They can create an image to fit in as they can adjust their manners and behaviour.

 Type A vs. Type B Type A: Usually TJ in the MBTI analyse of character traits. They are tough minded, stressed out people who are always under pressure, and stress carriers. Type B: This is the more desirable of the two, they are relaxed, calm, chilled out people. Self Esteem (efficacy) People with a high self esteem believe in themselves, they know they can accomplish something.