Heredity
Heredityrefers to those factors that were determined at con-
ception. Physical stature, facial attractiveness, gender, tem-
perament, muscle composition and reflexes, energy level,
and biological rhythms are characteristics that are generally
considered to be either completely or largely influenced by
your parents’ biological, physiological, and inherent psy-
chological makeup. The heredity approach argues that the
ultimate explanation of an individual’s personality is genetic.
If personality characteristics were completelydictated by heredity, they would be fixed
at birth and no amount of experience could alter them. If genetics resulted in your
being tense and irritable as a child, for example, it would not be possible for you to
change those characteristics as you grew into an adult. But personality characteristics are
not completely dictated by heredity.Environmental Factors
Among the factors that exert pressures on our personality formation are the culture in
which we are raised; our early conditioning; the norms among our family, friends, and
social groups; and other influences that we experience. The environment we are exposed
to plays a substantial role in shaping our personalities.
For instance, North Americans have had the themes of industriousness, success, com-
petition, independence, and the Protestant work ethic constantly drilled into them
through books, the school system, family, and friends. North Americans, as a result,
tend to be ambitious and aggressive compared with individuals raised in cultures that
have emphasized getting along with others, cooperation, and the priority of family over
work and career.
If we carefully consider the arguments favouring either heredity or environment as the
main determinant of personality, we are forced to conclude that both are important.
Heredity sets the parameters, or outer limits, but an individual’s full potential will be
determined by how well he or she adjusts to the demands and requirements of the
environment.42 Part 1 Understanding the Workplace
Early training and the culture in
which we are raised are important
environmental factors that shape
our personalities. Other influences
are family norms and member-
ships in social groups.
Are people born
with their
personalities?