Situation Strength Theory
The way personality translates into behavior depends on the strength of the situation
Components of situation strength
Clarity
Consistency
Constraints
Consequences
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Strong situations pressure us to exhibit the right behavior, clearly show us what that behavior is, and discourage the wrong behavior. In weak situations, “anything goes,” and thus we are freer to express our personality in our behaviors. Thus, research suggests that personality traits better predict behavior in weak situations than in strong ones.
Clarity is the degree to which cues about work duties and responsibilities are available and clear. Consistency is the extent to which cues regarding work duties and responsibilities are compatible with one another. Constraints are the extent to which individuals’ freedom to decide or act is limited by forces outside their control. And consequences are the degree to which decisions or actions have important implications for the organization or its members.