Personality, Self-Image, and Situational Characteristics of Effective Helpers in Work Settings

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Nursing staff (N = 136) from a single hospital provided situational, demographic, personality, and self-image information, noted the ways they helped others and preferred to be helped, and nominated others at work whom they found to be effective helpers with work and personal problems. Individuals receiving more nominations as effective helpers were older, more experienced, more educated, and in more responsible positions. They were more likely to help by using an approach combining nondirective and concrete advice and not diminishing the problem. Personality (self-esteem, locus of control) and self-image factors revealed no effect.