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Learning Journal Unit 1

Read the mini-case study in section 2.1. “Case in Point: SAS Institute Invests in Employees.” The
study generally discusses the approach of a major software company to its employees. Then,
consider the “Factors That Have the Strongest Influence over Work Behaviors” from figure 2.15.
Describe how each of the four factors is managed by SAS. Do you agree or disagree with the firm’s
approach and policies? Why or why not?
Note: Additional reading can be found at Crowley, M. C. (2013, January 22). How SAS became the
world's best place to work. Fast Company. http://www.fastcompany.com/3004953/how-sas-became-
worlds-best-place-work
Prepare a two-page (double-spaced) essay. Cite references, using APA format, for any material that
you use in preparing the essay.
Papers will be assessed using the following criteria:

 Describes each of the four factors clearly and correctly.

 Provides an example of how each of the four factors is managed.
 Clearly states position of whether they agree or not with the policies.
 Writing is clear. Used appropriate grammar and writing to express ideas. References (if
used) were cited properly.

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The text defines personality as “a person’s relatively stable feelings, thoughts, and behavioral
patterns” while values are “stable life goals, reflecting what is most important to them.” Pick one of
the “Big Five Personality Traits” (see figure 2.5) that details the most important trait for your current
job or a position you want to eventually be in. Describe why this is the most important. Give an
example of how this personality trait aligns with one of your professional goals.
Please answer in 150 words or more. Use your own words - please do not copy and paste from a
website. Be sure to reference your sources. 
After you respond to the assignment, you are then required to both give a rating and also leave a
significant comment (3-4 complete sentences) to at least three (3) of your peers' responses, in order
to receive full credit. Rate only the substantial responses that contribute to the promotion of the
discussion, and not the comments of your peers.
Don’t forget to rate the postings of your classmates according to the Rating Guidelines. Review the
Discussion Forum rating guidelines to see how your classmates will be rating your post.

ANSW
The Big Five Personality Traits – O.C.E.A.N. – include Openness (Open-Mindedness),
Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. The personality that identify
with most and which identify with my current job as a marketing and strategy expert and my
future career is Openness. Openness is the degree to which a person is curious, original,
intellectual, creative, and open to new ideas. It is the appreciation for art, emotion, adventure,
unsual ideas, curiosity, and variety of experience. It reflects the degree of intellectual curiosity
and a preference for novelty and variety a person has. Moreover, individuals with high openness
are said to pursue self-actualization specifically by seeking out intense, euphoric experiences. 

In my current job, whereby I work as a marketing and strategy expert, in which I am in charge of
marketing and analytics for 7 African countries, I find openness to be the most important,
relevant, and desirable personality trait. The company is Pan African and exist in 7 countries in
Africa. I think, that as soon as the tasks are very creative, Openness (or, in other words, Open-
Mindedness) is the most important trait for this job.

According to the results of the Big Five Project – Personality Test, I have a very high result in
Open-Mindedness, which is described as “enjoying having novel experiences and seeing things
in new ways”. I think this is the main reason why I really enjoy all steps I have to do for this
project.

Openness to experience(inventive/curiousvs.consistent/cautious) is the personality trait that is

the most important and relevant to my current job. My professional goal currently is a mix of bei

References
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Practical Psychology. (2019, May 7). The Big 5 OCEAN Traits Explained – Personality
Quizzes. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCwHV9HCxH0
Kibeom Lee, Ph.D., & Michael C. Ashton, Ph.D. (2019). The HEXACO personality
inventory. Retrieved from http://hexaco.org/
Oliver P. John and Christopher Soto. (2016). The Big Five Project – Personality Text.
Retrieved from http://www.outofservice.com/bigfive
Carpenter, M., Bauer, T., & Erdogan, B. (2010). Management Principles, v.
1.1. Retrieved from https://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/management-principles-
v1.1/s06-02-personality-and-values.html