Introduction to personality (c)

In this talk, you will explore the nature versus nurture debate in personality, learn about key psychological theories including psychodynamic, humanistic, behavioural, cognitive, and trait approaches, and consider how each theory explains behaviour and change. You will also look at how these approaches apply to predicting performance at work, taking into account practical considerations such as time, cost, and scalability.

After this talk, you will:

• Understand the nature versus nurture debate in relation to personality development.

• Know how twin studies provide insight into the influence of genetics and environment on personality.

• Be familiar with social learning theory and the influence of observed behaviours on personality.

• Recognise how cultural environments can reward and shape different personality traits.

• Appreciate that both biology and environment interact to influence who we become.

• Recognise there is no definitive answer to whether personality is determined more by nature or nurture, with most experts believing both play a role.

• Be introduced to the main schools of thought in personality psychology, including psychodynamic, humanistic (phenomenological), behavioural, cognitive-behavioural, and trait theories.

• Know the strengths and limitations of each approach, especially in relation to predicting workplace performance.

• Understand why the trait approach is commonly used in workplace assessments for its practical benefits.

• Be able to reflect on which theories best meet the needs for economical, timely, and valid assessments in the workplace.