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.