Definitions of Personality o J.B Watson (1930): “Personality is the sum of activities that can be discovered by actual observations over a long enough period of time to give reliable information.”

The social-cognitive perspective on personality is a theory that emphasizes cognitive processes, such as thinking and judging, in the development of personality. These cognitive processes contribute to learned behaviors that are central to one’s personality.

Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) describes the influence of individual experiences, the actions of others, and environmental factors on individual health behaviors. Observational learning: Watching and observing outcomes of others performing or modeling the desired behavior.

Eysenck’s theory of personality focused on two dimensions of higher-order traits, extraversion vs. introversion and emotional stability vs. neuroticism, or emotional instability. Extraverts are commonly known as being loud and outgoing while introverts are often thought of as quiet and reserved.

While dated, Maslow’s theory is useful for both personal development and workplace growth. By identifying what humans need and what drives and motivates people, employers and employees can develop mutually beneficial relationships and positive environments conducive to work.

Two Popular Theories of Workplace Motivation Two of the most popular models of motivation are Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which is based on levels of priorities, and Herzberg’s Two-Factor Model, which presents job factors as contributing to either satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

Motivation is the process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors. Psychologists have proposed different theories of motivation, including drive theory, instinct theory, and humanistic theory (such as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs).