MODULE – 2 : INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES AND WORK BEHAVIOUR
-----------------------------------------
2 MARKS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
-----------------------------------------
1. Define Individual Differences.
→ Individual differences refer to the variations among individuals in physical, psychological,
emotional, and social characteristics.
2. Define Personality.
→ Personality is the combination of traits, qualities, and characteristics that form an individual’s
distinct identity and influence behaviour.
3. What is Work Behaviour?
→ Work behaviour refers to the actions, performance, and conduct of employees at the workplace.
4. Give two causes of Individual Differences.
→ (i) Heredity (ii) Environment
5. Mention two aspects of personality.
→ (i) Internal traits (ii) External behaviour
-----------------------------------------
5 MARKS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
-----------------------------------------
1. Meaning & Definition of Individual Differences
Individual differences describe the unique characteristics and variations among individuals in terms
of intelligence, attitude, values, abilities, interests, and personality. These differences affect
learning, behaviour, and performance at work.
2. Why Individual Differences are Important
• Help managers assign right job to right person
• Improve team effectiveness
• Enhance motivation and satisfaction
• Reduce workplace conflicts
• Better decision-making and communication
3. Basis for Understanding Work Behaviour
• Personality
• Attitude
• Perception
• Learning ability
• Values and culture
Understanding these factors helps predict employee performance, productivity, and behaviour at
workplace.
4. Individual Differences Influencing Work Behaviour
• Skills and knowledge
• Experience and education
• Values and culture
• Motivation level
• Emotional intelligence
These differences shape performance, commitment, communication and teamwork.
5. Importance of Understanding Individual Differences
• Helps in effective leadership and HR planning
• Improves job satisfaction
• Enhances communication
• Facilitates employee development
• Improves workplace harmony
-----------------------------------------
10 MARKS ANSWERS
-----------------------------------------
1. Personality – Concept, Determinants & Types
Meaning: Personality represents the combination of physical, mental, emotional, and behavioural
traits that differentiate individuals.
Determinants of Personality:
(a) Heredity – genetic factors (appearance, temperament, intelligence)
(b) Environment – culture, family, social groups, education
(c) Situation – behaviour changes based on different situations
Types of Personality:
1. Introvert: shy, reserved, prefers isolation, fewer friends
2. Extrovert: social, talkative, friendly, outgoing
3. Ambivert: balance of introvert and extrovert traits
2. Individual Differences – Causes & Managerial Implications
Causes:
• Heredity
• Environment
• Intelligence
• Personality traits
• Perception
• Motivation
Managerial Implications:
• Create training & development programs
• Provide flexible working environment
• Assign tasks based on capability
• Use proper motivation techniques
• Encourage teamwork and reduce conflicts
-----------------------------------------
20 MARKS CASE STUDY FORMAT & SAMPLE ANSWER
-----------------------------------------
CASE STUDY QUESTION FORMAT:
1. Identify problem
2. Analyze behaviour & cause
3. Apply theory
4. Suggest managerial solution
SAMPLE CASE STUDY:
Case: A company has two employees – A is an introvert with high technical skills but poor
communication. B is an extrovert, social and good communicator but weak in technical tasks.
Manager is confused about role assignment.
Answer:
• A and B show individual differences in personality and skills
• According to personality theory – A fits technical back-end jobs while B suits customer-facing
communication work
• Solution:
- Assign A to research, data analysis, documentation
- Assign B to sales, marketing, presentations
- Provide training to overcome weaknesses
- Use team collaboration for better results
Conclusion: Understanding individual differences leads to correct job placement and productivity
improvement.
-----------------------------------------
END OF NOTES
-----------------------------------------