Big Five Dimensions of Personality- A short note

Ideally how we are predisposed or supposed to react in situations is mostly determined by our
basic drives, traits and patterned or conditioned behaviour. When situations place demands on
us then some of us are able to respond well while others struggle a lot to keep up with the
demands. Why is it so? This question needs a scientific and a thorough explanation. A person’s
self-concept comprises of self-beliefs and self-evaluations. “Who am I ?” and “ How do I feel
about myself?”. These concepts guide a person to take decisions and actions. Their images
(self) are formed with time. There could be multiple self-concepts in a person.

Any job description consists of certain matching behaviours. Getting to the top of an
organization may be desired or undesired by a person, however role perception at every stage
determine the success probability which is highly subjective but largely agreed on. The
matching behaviours of an organization is met by matching drives and traits supported by
ability and motivation of a person.

It would be too contracted to suggest that any one dimension of our personality trait is more
important than others. Find your own suitable dimension that best describes you. Additionally,
finding a job or task that matches with your dimension can ignite your workable engine. The
above argument doesn’t limit any one’s capability to develop their skills or other dimensions,
however as an individual it would take lot of efforts to pursue altered paths, even if they are
rewarding and lucrative. Working around your strengths can be a competitive advantage, but
changing business environment and context can put enough demands on you to adequately
respond to the needed competencies.

Personality is an easy concept for most of us to grasp. It’s what makes you. It encompasses all
the traits, characteristics, and quirks that set you apart from everyone else. In the world of
psychology research, personality is a little more complicated. The definition of personality can
be complex, and the way it is defined can influence how it is understood and measured.
Meanwhile, the American Psychological Association (APA) defines personality as “individual
differences in characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that are enduring and
stable in life” (2017).

Today, many researchers believe that there are five core personality traits.
The "big five" are broad categories of personality traits. While there is a significant body of
literature supporting this five-factor model of personality, researchers don't always agree on
the exact labels for each dimension.

You might find it helpful to use the acronym OCEAN (openness, conscientiousness,
extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) when trying to remember the big five traits. It is
important to note that each of the five personality factors represents a range between two
extremes. For example, extraversion represents a continuum between extreme extraversion and
extreme introversion. In the real world, most people lie somewhere in between the two polar
ends of each dimension.

These five categories are usually described as follows.

1. Openness to Experience

Openness to experience has been described as the depth and complexity of an individual’s
mental life and experiences (John & Srivastava, 1999). This trait features characteristics such
as imagination and insight. It is also sometimes called intellect or imagination. People who are
high in this trait also tend to have a broad range of interests. They are curious about the world
and other people and eager to learn new things and enjoy new experiences.

Openness to experience concerns people’s capability to think outside the box.

Common traits related to openness to experience include:

 Imagination;
 Insightfulness;
 Varied interests;
 Originality;
  Daringness;
 Preference for variety;
 Cleverness;
 Creativity;
 Curiosity;
 Perceptiveness;
 Intellect;
 Complexity/depth.

An individual who is high in openness to experience is likely someone who has a love of
learning, enjoys the arts, engages in a creative career or hobby, and likes meeting new people
(Lebowitz, 2016a).

An individual who is low in openness to experience probably prefers routine over variety, sticks
to what he or she knows, and prefers less abstract arts and entertainment. It is generally found
that those with low openness may not be capable to handle high complex situations.

2. Conscientiousness

Conscientiousness is a trait that can be described as the tendency to control impulses and act
in socially acceptable ways, behaviors that facilitate goal-directed behavior (John & Srivastava,
1999). Conscientious people excel in their ability to delay gratification, work within the rules,
and plan and organize effectively.

Traits within the conscientiousness factor include:

 Persistence;
 Ambition;
 Thoroughness;
 Self-discipline;
 Consistency;
 Predictability;
 Control;
 Reliability;
  Resourcefulness;
 Hard work;
 Energy;
 Perseverance;
 Planning.

People high in conscientiousness are likely to be successful in school and in their careers, to
excel in leadership positions, and to doggedly pursue their goals with determination and
forethought (Lebowitz, 2016a).

People low in conscientiousness are much more likely to procrastinate and to be flighty,
impetuous, and impulsive.

3. Extroversion

This factor has two familiar ends of its spectrum: extroversion and introversion. It concerns
where an individual draws their energy from and how they interact with others. In general,
extroverts draw energy from or recharge by interacting with others, while introverts get tired
from interacting with others and replenish their energy with solitude.


 Sociableness;
 Assertiveness;
 Merriness;
 Outgoing nature;
 Energy;
 Talkativeness;
 Ability to be articulate;
 Fun-loving nature;
 Tendency for affection;
  Friendliness;
 Social confidence.

The traits associated with extroversion are:

People high in extroversion tend to seek out opportunities for social interaction, where they are
often the “life of the party.” They are comfortable with others, are gregarious, and are prone to
action rather than contemplation (Lebowitz, 2016a).

People lows in extroversion are more likely to be people “of few words who are quiet,
introspective, reserved, and thoughtful.

4. Agreeableness

This factor concerns how well people get along with others. While extroversion concerns
sources of energy and the pursuit of interactions with others, agreeableness concerns one’s
orientation to others. It is a construct that rests on how an individual generally interacts with
others.

The following traits fall under the umbrella of agreeableness:

 Altruism;
 Trust;
 Modesty;
 Humbleness;
 Patience;
 Moderation;
 Tact;
 Politeness;
 Loyalty
 Unselfishness;
 Helpfulness;
 Sensitivity;
 Amiability;
 Cheerfulness;
 Consideration.
  kindness

People high in agreeableness tend to be well-liked, respected, and sensitive to the needs of
others. They likely have few enemies and are affectionate to their friends and loved ones, as
well as sympathetic to the plights of strangers (Lebowitz, 2016a).

People on the low end of the agreeableness spectrum are less likely to be trusted and liked by
others. They tend to be callous, blunt, rude, ill-tempered, antagonistic, and sarcastic. Although
not all people who are low in agreeableness are cruel or abrasive, they are not likely to leave
others with a warm fuzzy feeling.

5. Neuroticism

Neuroticism is not a factor of meanness or incompetence, but one of confidence and being
comfortable in one’s own skin. It encompasses one’s emotional stability and general temper.

These traits are commonly associated with neuroticism:


 Awkwardness;
 Pessimism;
 Moodiness;
 Jealousy;
 Testiness;
 Fear;
 Nervousness;
 Anxiety;
 Timidness;
 Wariness;
  Self-criticism;
 Lack of confidence;
 Insecurity;
 Instability;
 Oversensitivity.

Those high in neuroticism are generally prone to anxiety, sadness, worry, and low self-esteem.
They may be temperamental or easily angered, and they tend to be self-conscious and unsure
of themselves (Lebowitz, 2016a).

Individuals who score on the low end of neuroticism are more likely to feel confident, sure of
themselves, and adventurous. They may also be brave and unencumbered by worry or self-
doubt.

Conclusion

Personality is a complex topic of research in psychology, and it has a long history of shifting
philosophies and theories. While it’s easy to conceptualize personality on a day-to-day level,
conducting valid scientific research on personality can be much more complex.

The Big Five can help you to learn more about your own personality and where to focus your
energy and attention. The first step in effectively leveraging your strengths is to learn what
your strengths are.