Personality theory
Personality is described as the organization of psychophysical traits in an individual and their effect on his actions and ideas (Corr et al., 2009). To identify personalities, several models have been proposed. The following paper seeks to compare and contrast the five-factor model of character and the HEXACO model of personality.
The lexical hypothesis is the foundation for both models. This hypothesis proposes that the presence of essential personality characteristics in a society leads to the creation of vocabulary to describe these traits and their severity. The theory states that further postulates that significant personality traits in a community are described in a single word (Saucier et al., 1996). Baumgartner, a Swiss psychologist, used this approach to the German language. Subsequent research identified five common traits. These traits form the basis for the five personality model. The five personality model was continually applied to other words, leading to the development of a sixth trait, the honesty-humility attribute. The discovery of six features led to the formation of the HEXACO personality model. HEXACO personality model, for instance, is a result of studying European and Asian languages.
The significant difference between the two models involves the honesty-humility factor. This trait lacks in the five personality model. The humility factor is measures the sincerity, greed, and modesty of the person and is described by words such as honest, loyal, and desire. The big-five model includes aspects of the humility factor into its agreeable element.
The difference in the number and scope of traits under consideration. Therefore each model can be used depending on the characteristics being considered. For example, the HEXACO model is preferred when predicting ethical behavior. Low ratings of the humility-honesty trait indicate propensity towards unethical behavior, materialism, and greed. The big five models has a limited scope compared to the HEXACO model. It does not consider some domains, such as religiosity and Machiavellianism. According to Dan P. McAdams, it focuses more on traits observed in strangers rather than those held privately (McAdams, 1995).
Humans are social beings; therefore, it is not easy to identify their personalities. However, these two models consider the vocabulary used by ta society. Hence it easy to identify a character. Consideration of different factors ensures that the models are flexible.
References
Corr, Phillip J., Mathews, & Gerald. (2009). The Cambridge Handbook of Personality Psychology. doi:10.1017/cbo9780511596544
McAdams, D. P. (1995). What do we know when we know a person. Journal of Personality, 63(3), 365-396. doi:10.2139/ssrn.922722
Saucier G., & Goldberg. (1996). The language of personality: Lexical perspectives. The five-factor model of personality: Theoretical perspectives, 69(3), 21-50. doi:10.1207/s15327752jpa6903_19