Problem 5 - An Introduction to Theories of Personality

Question

Give an example from your own life, from the life of someone you know well, or from fiction to illustrate: (a) the receptive orientation; (b) the exploitative orientation; (c) the hoarding orientation; (d) the marketing orientation; (e) the productive orientation.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The receptive orientation involves receiving from others, like children relying on parents. The exploitative orientation involves taking from others in manipulative or aggressive ways, like a dishonest business person. The hoarding orientation is characterized by the desire to accumulate resources or belongings, like a penny pincher. The marketing orientation views relationships in terms of transactions, like a salesperson. The productive orientation involves creating or producing, like an artist who creates for public enjoyment.

Step 1: Define and exemplify the receptive orientation

The receptive orientation refers to a behavior or attitude in which an individual is mainly focused on receiving from others. For instance, children who rely heavily on their parents for food, shelter, and emotional support could be seen as having a receptive orientation.

Step 2: Define and exemplify the exploitative orientation

The exploitative orientation involves taking from others often through manipulative or aggressive methods. An example of this could be a business person who deceives his partners to gain more profit.

Step 3: Define and exemplify the hoarding orientation

The hoarding orientation is characterized by the tendency to hold onto or accumulate resources or belongings. For example, a person who feels the need to save every penny and avoids spending money, even when necessary, could be described as having a hoarding orientation.

Step 4: Define and exemplify the marketing orientation

The marketing orientation is an attitude that views relationships in terms of transactions or exchanges of value. A salesperson who views their relationship with customers solely in terms of what can be gained in transactions exemplifies this orientation.

Step 5: Define and exemplify the productive orientation

The productive orientation involves a focus on creating or producing things, often for the benefit of others. An artist who creates art not just for personal satisfaction but also for public enjoyment can be said to have a productive orientation.