Individual differences and Work performance

Associated with different aspect.

Work and individual difference.

The job performance of individuals depends on many different characteristics of the individual. These characteristics have been classified by different experts in different ways. Further, the actual nature of requirements and their importance varies for the kind of job. For example, for a person employed in a nonskilled hard manual labour job, the abilities relating to physical strength and endurance are much important than for the job of an accountant. On the other hand mental abilities required in designer of a complicated process plant is much more than that required for a hard manual labour job.

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However, the various individual traits or requirement influencing a person may be qualified in the following categories. Physical abilities: These include general traits such as strength and physical endurance as well a special requirements like minimum height or vision. Mental abilities: Like physical ability, it may relate to general intelligence, or specific requirements like special problem solving skills.

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Acquired work related knowledge and skills: These

will be closely related to the nature of work Interpersonal skills: This relates to the ability of person to obtain cooperation of others and work effectively as a group member. Self motivation and skills: While organizations and managers use various techniques to motivate employees to work towards achievement of the organizational goal, the individuals also differ in their willingness and ability get subordinate their personal needs and preferences in the interest of the overall organizational effectiveness.

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Initiative: This refers to the degree to which the

individual just reacts to the circumstances or takes positive action spot and use opportunities for improvement. Innovative ability: this refers to the ability act creatively to solve problems and create new innovative products and methods. Leadership qualities.: This refers to the ability of the person to direct the energies and efforts of a group of people towards achievement of desired objectives.

Factors contributing to individual differences.

Demographic.-Related to social environment. Personality.-Related to personal traits Cultural factors.- Related to the cultural believes and value system

Categories of individual difference.

Individual difference in the work context. Individual difference in cognitive behavior Individual difference in personality traits. Individual difference in Personal orientations. Individual difference in emotional traits. Individual difference in goal striving. Individual difference in work motivation. Individual difference in work satisfaction. Individual difference in decision making behavior. Individual difference in entrepreneurship and company policies.