BE421-6-SP-CO:
Personality Differences at Work: a Myers-Briggs Perspective
PLEASE NOTE: This module is inactive. Visit the Module Directory to view modules and variants offered during the current academic year.
2023/24
Essex Business School
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 6
Inactive
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
15
07 June 2022
Requisites for this module
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This module explores a number of topics in work psychology through both the academic field of work psychology (Arnold & Randall et al., 2016) and the lens of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
In terms of substantive topics, the material in this module is designed to build on your second year studies in organisational behaviour (BE410) and complement your studies in human resources management (BE433). The theoretical approach adopted is distinct from that of the optional module management psychology (BE434).
Work psychology has well established research on topics such as Stress, Career Management, Communication, Change and Conflict, and aspects of this research will be explored over the course of the term.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is an internationally recognised model of personality. You will learn the fundamental structure and concepts used in the MBTI, as well as developing an understanding of your own 'psychological type' according to the theory. Over the course of the term it is expected that you will engage reflexively and critically with the theory of the MBTI and your own 'type'. Some teaching sessions will be in a workshop style to facilitate group learning and personal reflection.
Topics to be covered will include the origins, development, ethics and criticisms of the MBTI with detailed explication of the theory itself, comparison with Temperament theory (a comparable model of personality) and sessions exploring Stress, Career Management, Communication, Change and Conflict. These sessions will enable the critical evaluation of how the MBTI is applied to work-related issues.
Module Aims
The twin purposes of this module are
(i) an academic and critical approach to considering selected topics in Work Psychology (such as Stress, Career Management, Communication, Change and Conflict), and in particular the impact of personality on these
(ii) to encourage you to consider your personality type in relation to future work and careers.
Module Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. demonstrate a broad understanding of selected topics in work psychology (such as Stress, Career Management, Communication, Change and Conflict);
2. demonstrate a detailed understanding of the origins, theoretical basis and ethical orientation of the MBTI, and how it is applied to topics in work psychology (such as Stress, Career Management, Communication, Change and Conflict);
3. demonstrate a detailed understanding of the similarities and differences between the MBTI and at least one other theory of personality;
4. show a reflexive awareness of the benefit of understanding personality dimensions of oneself and others, particularly with regard to work and careers
Skills for Your Professional Life (Transferable Skills)
This module will enable you to develop the following transferable skills:
1. Written Communication, through writing the Coursework essay and examination
2. Critical Thinking, through reflection, analysis and critique
3. Digital and Technical Fluency – through use of Word processing, internet based searches, and library-based electronic research
4. Innovation and Curiosity – through exploration of work psychology and personality models
5. Personal Brand – through personal application of the MBTI
The first learning and teaching session will be timetabled for three hours to allow time for all participants on the module to determine their Myers-Briggs type with confidence. Thereafter seminars will be weekly, for two hours each week.
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Exam |
Main exam: Remote, Open Book, 120 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
|
| Exam |
Reassessment Main exam: Remote, Open Book, 120 minutes during September (Reassessment Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Simon Carmel, email: scarmel@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Simon Carmel
Email: ebsugcol@essex.ac.uk
No
Yes
No
No external examiner information available for this module.
Available via Moodle
Of 20 hours, 20 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
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