Type A/B Behavioral Pattern Personality

PERSONALITY MAKES A DIFFERENCE PRINCIPLE PERSONALITY MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN WORK PERFORMANCE Personality: Certain characteristics of ourselves (e.g., having a high need for achievement)

Type A Personality A set of observable behaviors and emotions Represents A set of observable behaviors and emotions THAT CAN BE OBSERVED IN A PERSON WHO IS AGGRESSIVELY INVOLVED IN A CHRONIC STRUGGLE TO ACHIEVE MORE AND MORE IN LESS AND LESS TIME, AND IF REQUIRED TO DO SO, AGAINST THE OPPOSING EFFORTS OF OTHER PEOPLE OR THINGS Continuum:From Extreme Type A (20) to Non Type A (10 or less) (or Type B)

General Characteristics of Type As Extremely Aggressive Easily Aroused Hostility A Strong Sense of Time Urgency Extremely Competitive

Work Characteristics of Type As (vs. Type Bs) Work-Related Characteristics As are more than Bs: Achievement Oriented Hard-Working Dominant Quick Shrewd Aggressive Angry Lacking in Self-Control

Communication Patterns Between Type As and Type Bs Speech Patterns As speak: Quickly, Loudly, and Explosively Communication with Bs Bs become as angry as As when they interact with As As punish other As more than Bs punish other Bs As punish other As more than they do Bs

Performance Differences Between Type As and Type Bs As Outperform Bs If the situation: Is difficult Calls for endurance Has many external distractions If time deadline is unknown, As work faster then Bs As set higher initial goals for their performance

Performance Differences Between Type As and Type Bs Bs Outperform As When tasks require slow and careful responses When tasks require broad focus of attention On performance after prolonged and visible failure

Type As and Work/Life Achievements Have higher nAch scores Have more education Have more rapid career advancement Attain a higher occupational status Receive more rewards from their work Study and work more hours for paid employment Receive more academic and sport honors Are more active in high school sports Sleep less

HOWEVER

Personal Characteristics of Type As (vs. Type Bs) As are more than Bs: Highly Stressed Dissatisfied With Work Dissatisfied With Life Achievements Dissatisfied With Their Marriages

Type As and Personal Health Have higher blood pressure Have more coronary diseases Have heightened nervous system activation