Understanding the Five-Factor Model and Five-Factor Theory through a South African cultural lens

• Published in: South African journal of psychology 2013-06, Vol.43 (2), p.208-221
• Main Author: Laher, Sumaya
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Collectivism; Five-Factor Model; Five-Factor Theory; Individualism; Personality; Traits; Ubuntu
• ISSN: 0081-2463; 2078-208X
• DOI: 10.1177/0081246313483522

Despite the vast body of evidence accumulated for the Five-Factor Model worldwide, it is often criticised for being a theoretical, too descriptive, and lacking reference to personality development across the lifespan. In response to these critiques, McCrae and Costa proposed the Five-Factor Theory. This article introduces the reader briefly to the Five-Factor Model and Five-Factor Theory. The Five-Factor Theory refers to the five factors of the Five-Factor Model as Basic Tendencies and postulates that the five factors of the Five-Factor Model are innate, heritable, and universal structures. This article debates whether the Five-Factor Theory is correct in arguing for five Basic Tendencies by providing local and international literature that suggests that five factors do not form the topmost hierarchy in personality. In African and Asian cultures, specifically, it has been argued that the collectivist dimension in particular is not captured in the Five-Factor Model and Five-Factor Theory. This article explores these arguments with particular reference to the Individualism\Collectivism dimensions and concludes by suggesting that both Five-Factor Theory and the Five-Factor Model take more cognisance of other cultural perspectives on personality at both the theoretical and empirical levels.