CHARACTER FORMATION WITH LEADERSHIP, DECISION MAKING,

ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

MODULE 1
CHAPTER 1 (CHARACTER FORMATION)
Introduction
Character is a psychological notion that refers to all the habitual ways of
feeling and reacting that distinguish one individual from another. Sigmund
Freud had a sustained interest in the question of character formation, since it
touches on the major themes that interested him: "anatomo-physiological
destiny," memory traces, and, more generally, the role of acquired traits, as
well as the function of sublimation with regard to the "remains" of the
pregenital libido.
In The Interpretation of Dreams (1900a), Freud defined character in
relationship to the unconscious: "What we describe as our 'character' is based
on the memory-traces of our impressions; and, moreover, the impressions
which have had the greatest effect on us—those of our earliest youth—are
precisely the ones which scarcely ever become conscious" (pp. 539-540). This
definition posits character as a sort of memory, a collection of traces. Five years
later, in Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality (1905d), Freud emphasized
individual psychic activity: "

Learning outcome:
At the end of the topic, the students will be able to:

 Define the concept of character formation

 Discuss the contributing factors of character formation
 Enumerate the different types of character formation
 Identify the different character traits

Learning content
It contains readings, selection and discussion questions and sets of
activities that students can work on individually or by group.
1.1. Character Formation
1.2. Contributing Factors of Character Formation
1.3. General Types of Character Formation
 1.4. Six (6) Pillars of Good Character Formation
1.5. Types of Character
1.6. Character Traits
A. What is Character Formation?
It is derived from greek word “charassein” referring to an engraving
instrument; originally used of a marked impressed upon a coin or the mark
cut by it. Then it was applied to a distinctive mark of a personality; and
gradually, to the sum total of such mark, each individual one is being called
characteristics.
It is a trademark of being a person.

Character Building
It is the process by which the individual, through interaction of
biologically transmitted predispositions with the environment, develops stable
pattern of functioning, thinking and feeling.

B. What are the different Contributing Factors of Character

Formation?
The following are different contributing factors of character formation:

1. Parental Influence- is the most important of all the factors responsible for
personality development.
2. Home Environment- home as cradle of human character and personality
largely contribute to the character formation of a child.
3. School Environment- to perfect the total development of a child’s
character and attitude, besides the home environment,
a child’s school environment too plays a major role in
shaping the child’s personality.
4. Culture- everyone has different character and values because of
the different cultures where everyone is exposed
C. What are the five (5) Factors that determine the Character Personality
Traits?
Five Factors that Determine Character or Personality Traits
1. Openness – Openness to experience describes a person’s degree of
intellectual curiosity, creativity, and preference for novelty and variety.
Some disagreement remains about how to interpret this factor, which is
sometimes called intellect.
2. Conscientiousness – Conscientiousness is a tendency to show self-
discipline, act dutifully, and aim for achievement. Conscientiousness also
refers to planning, organization, and dependability.
3. Extraversion – Extraversion describes energy, positive emotions,
assertiveness, sociability, talkativeness, and the tendency to seek
stimulation in the company of others.
4. Agreeableness – Agreeableness is the tendency to be compassionate and
cooperative towards others rather than suspicious and antagonistic.
5. Neuroticism – Neuroticism describes vulnerability to unpleasant
emotions like anger, anxiety, depression, or vulnerability. Neuroticism
also refers to an individual’s level of emotional stability and impulse
control and is sometimes referred to as emotional stability.

What are the different General Types of Character Formation?

General Types of Characters:
1. Positive Character
2. Negative Character
3. Neutral Character

1. Positive Character- Positive character traits are those things that draw us
to other people. When someone is generous, kind, energetic,
or optimistic they exude energy that attracts others. Of
course, who wouldn’t want to spend time with a warm, open,
and loving person?
Now, when we turn the mirror back on ourselves, many
times we notice not-so-positive character traits…things like
jealousy, selfishness, immaturity, or greed. These can all be
changed. If you are not getting the results you want in life,
 the first place to look is at how you are interacting with the
world.
Positive character traits can be developed in ourselves. There
is a simple, three step process to integrate a new positive
trait into your life.

2. Negative Character- The majority of people would consider the character

traits described below to be "bad" or “negative”.
However, "bad" or “negative” is defined by the culture
in which one lives. For example, for a priest
"aggressive" might be a negative trait while for a soccer
player or salesman, it is usually a desirable trait.
Negative personality adjectives

 angry
 bewildered
 clumsy
 defeated
 embarrassed
 fierce
 grumpy

3. Neutral Character - A neutral character does what seems to be a good

idea. She doesn't feel strongly one way or the other when
it comes to good vs. evil or law vs. chaos. Most neutral
characters exhibit a lack of conviction or bias rather than
a commitment to neutrality. Such a character thinks of
good as better than evil-after all, she would rather have
good neighbors and rulers than evil ones. Still, she's not
personally committed to upholding good in any abstract
or universal way.

Some neutral characters, on the other hand, commit

themselves philosophically to neutrality. They see good,
evil, law, and chaos as prejudices and dangerous
extremes. They advocate the middle way of neutrality as
the best, most balanced road in the long run.
 Neutral is the best alignment you can be because it
means you act naturally, without prejudice or
compulsion.

Neutral can be a dangerous alignment when it represents

apathy, indifference, and a lack of conviction.

D. What are different Pillars of Good Character?

TRUSTWORTHINESS

Be honest in communications and actions • Don’t deceive, cheat or steal • Be

reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing •
Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends, and country
• Keep your promises

RESPECT

Treat others with respect and follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant and
accepting of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate
of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully
with anger, insults, and disagreements

RESPONSIBILITY

Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Be diligent • Persevere • Do

your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act • Be
accountable for your words, actions and attitudes • Set a good example for
others • Choose a positive attitude • Make healthy choices

FAIRNESS
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others •
Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly • Treat all
people fairly

CARING

Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Show Empathy • Express

gratitude • Forgive others and show mercy • Help people in need • Be
charitable and altruistic
CITIZENSHIP

Do your share to make your home, school, community and greater world better
• Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a
good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the
environment • Volunteer

E. What are the different Characters?

1. Self-realized character - a person with this type of character is ever

2. Covetous Character-
3. Superstitious Character- in a way that all are superstitious but when
were over superstitious then problem starts.
4. Egoistic Character-
5. Anti-social Character-
6. Insincere Character-
7. Complacent Character-
enthusiastic for he knows his potentialities and
limitations.
this refer to a jealous or acquisitive character
the person thinks that world runs due to him
and everything and everybody should respect
him as such.
a person who neither cares for the norms set by
the society nor cares for the moral or ethical
values is an anti-social character.
when a person does something good for us, we
express our sincere thanks and go extra mile in
being sincere to that person in whatever way it
is possible for us. Contrarily, a person who
thinks others is there for serving him and is
without any warmth feelings for others.
when a person doesn’t feel nervous or scared,
doesn’t want to learn, doesn’t challenge
him/herself, lives in a constant routine everyday
not wanting to get out of his/her comfort zone,
rejects change and therefore is stacked and
stagnant, doesn’t want to try anything new
making him/her very predictable and is a
mediocre that lacks ambition and therefore
 stops growing, he or she is considered to be a
person of complacent character.

F. What are the different good character traits?

1. Alertness - being aware of what is taking place around.

2. Attentiveness - showing the worth of a person or task but giving
undivided concentration.
3. Availability - making own schedule on priorities secondary to
the wishes of those being served.
4. Benevolence - giving to others basic needs without the
motivation for acquiring personal rewards.
5. Boldness - confidence that what is say or do is true, right
and just.
6. Cautiousness - knowing how important right timing is in
accomplishing right actions
7. Compassion - investing whatever is necessary to heal the
hurts of others.
8. Contentment - realizing that true happiness does not depend
on material conditions.
9. Creativity - approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a
new perspective.
10. Decisiveness - the ability to recognize key factors and finalize
difficult decisions.
11. Deference - limiting freedom so not to offend the tastes of
others.
12. Dependability - fulfilling what is consented to do, even if it
means unexpected sacrifice.
13. Determination - purposing to accomplish right goals at the right
time, regardless of the opposition.
14. Diligence - investing time and energy to complete each task
assigned.
15. Discernment - understanding the deeper reasons why things
happen.
16. Discretion - recognizing and avoiding words, actions, and
attitudes that could bring undesirable
consequences.
17. Endurance - the inward strenght to withstand stress and do
the best.
18. Enthusiasm - expressing joy in doing and accomplishing each
tasks.
19. Faith - confidence that actions rooted in good character
will yield the best outcome, even when its not
personally observed.
20. Flexibility - willingness to change plans or ideas according
to the direction of the authorities.
21. Forgiveness - clearing the records of those who have wronged
and not holding a grudge.
22. Generosity - carefully managing resources to be capable of
freely giving to those in need.
23. Gentleness - showing consideration and personal concern for
others.
24. Gratefulness - letting others know by ones words and actions
how they have benefited ones life.
25. Honor - respecting those in leadership because of the
higher authorities they represent.
26. Hospitality - Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, or conversation
to benefit others.
27. Humility - acknowledging that achievement results from
the investment of others in ones life.
28. Initiative - recognizing and doing what needs to be done
before being asked to do it.
29. Joyfulness - maintaining a good attitude, even when placed
with unpleasant condition.
30. Justice - taking personal responsibility to uphold what is
pure, right and true.
31. Loyalty - using difficult times to demonstrate commitment
to those being served.
32. Meekness - yielding personal rights and expectations with a
desire to serve.
33. Obedience - quickly and cheerfully carrying out the direction
of the superior.
34. Orderliness - arranging self and surroundings to achieve
greater efficiency.
35. Patience - accepting a difficult situation without giving a
deadline to remove it.
36. Persuasiveness - guiding vital truths around anothers mental
roadblock.
37. Punctuality - showing esteem for others by doing the right
thing at the right time.
38. Resourcefulness - finding practical uses or that which others
would overlook or discard.
39. Responsibility - knowing and doing what is expected
40. Security - structuring one’s life around that which cannot
be destroyed or taken away.
41. Self-control - rejecting wrong desires and doing what is right.
42. Sensitivity - perceiving the true attitudes and emotions of
others.
43. Sincerity - eagerness to do what is right with transparent
motives.
44. Thoroughness - knowing what factors will diminish the
effectiveness of ones work or words if neglected.
45. Thriftiness - allowing oneself and others to spend only what
is necessary
Learning Task 1:
Mentioned above are different characters. It is always believed that everyone
tends to display such different characters every time that we are confronted
with different situations and encounters. Make a reflection paper showing
when the times that you displayed these different kinds of character are and
explain why you said so.

Example:
I believe that I displayed a Self-realized character every time that I accept an
appointment because I know that I can do it and reject any position offered to
me with due respect because I know that this is not my expertise.
I also believe that I displayed a Covetous Character during the time that I feel
insecure and jealous every time that my brother excels because I think that I
am always in competition with him.
On the other hand, I believe that I displayed a Superstitious Character when I
canceled a meeting because a black cat crossed the road while I am on my way
there.
Moreover, I believe that I displayed an Egoistic Character when I intentionally
go to a meeting late because I know that the meeting will not start without me.
Additionally, I also believe that I displayed an Anti-social Character yesterday
when I maneuvered my car in a no u turn slot because nobody is watching that
time.
An Insincere Character is what I displayed during the time that my mom and
dad is trying to reach me out during a weekday but I said that I am busy with
my online class and I cannot talk to them even for just a couple of minutes
even though I really have the time.
And lastly, I believe that I displayed a complacent character when they asked
me to learn how to conduct online classes in different platforms but I disagreed
because I am lazy to learn how to do it and decided to stick with my style.

Take note: the abovementioned paragraphs are for example purposes only. As
for you, you need to make a hand-written one page yellow paper reflection
which is more personal and more elaborate than this. The chances in getting a
higher mark in reflection papers is for you to let go of your personal
experiences as openly as possible because it also serves as an outlet for what
you feel and what you are keeping within yourself to unload your heart’s
burden and desire. Feel free to note below your papers when you need someone
to talk to about these things and I will reach out to you ASAP. The papers will
be due next week during the day and time of our meeting so that you will have
ample time to read and learn the module and answer this assessment task.
Thank you and God bless. Stay safe everyone.

References:
 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/
10.1080/0034408910860309?
journalCode=urea20#:~:text=Character%20formation%20is
%20that%20deeply,are%20appropriate%20for%20young
%20children.
 https://www.encyclopedia.com/psychology/dictionaries-
thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases/character-formation
 http://www.rexpublishing.com.ph/character-formation/
 https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-
94-007-1494-6_46
 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/
10.1177/004057365801400406?journalCode=ttja
 https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?
recnum=659
 https://www.slideshare.net/AnuRadha107/moral-development-
character-formation-and-education