INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this report is to utilize the theoretical knowledge to analyze people and their
behavior breaking down the analysis in two main aspects - personality & motivation. An
interesting approach at understanding the various theories is through a case study (Crowe 2011).
The relevant context in this report is a case study about a strongly depicted character named
Richard Phillips in Paul Greengrasss feature film Captain Phillips. At the completion of this
report, a thorough understanding of character analysis through personality and motivation theories
is expected which can be practically applied at work place. In order to manage ones employees
successfully, it is of utmost importance to first identify their innate needs and traits and then device
an appropriate management approach accordingly. Deciphering personality traits and
understanding people inside out is the first step towards creating unsurpassed organizational
strengths in terms of understanding employee behavior and developing managerial actions
accordingly.
The report has been interestingly designed and broken into four main parts which include a brief
introduction about the character chosen with a reasoning for that particular choice, personality
analysis using the Big Five factors theory, motivation analysis by applying a content theory
(hierarchy of needs) and process theory (Expectancy theory). The rationale of these theories is then
used in the next section to develop an idea about the possible managerial actions which would
increase and decrease the motivation of the character under study. The report ends with a brief
self-reflection covering the perception of motivation.

MAKING THE CHOICE

The character chosen for this report is that of Richard Phillips, played by the renowned actor Tom
Hanks who portrays the real-life captain of a freighter, Maersk Alabama, which sails on troubled
waters infringing the African coasts. The movie is an adaption of the book written by Captain
Phillips retelling the story of his life-threatening experience against Somalian pirates and how he
tackled the alarming hijack of ship followed by his captivation by ruthless pirates confining him
within a small lifeboat. When it feels like youre watching a real character all through the movie
unmindful of the actual actor playing that role, you know you just witnessed some spectacular
piece of work. The reason why not much thought was needed on choosing Richard Phillips as the
character to be studied through this report was the outstanding artist enacting this role. Given his
flawless background and especially with the groundbreaking performance in this enthralling
movie, Captain Phillips, the character tends to catch ones attention immediately. Making the
choice was indeed simple due to the richness this character offered along with a realistic aura all
through the story. Studying a character of this strength is expected to help one comprehend the
personality and motivation analysis in relation to theory.

PERSONALITY
Personality has been expressed in many different ways by various authors through time. It can be
defined as the array of unseen traits and practices determining a consistent order of behavioral
responses to individuals, ideas and various externalities in relation to the environment (Daft 2007).
Although it may sound simple in theory, in actuality, personality can be a highly complex subject
to be analyzed. In order to simplify the study, there have been adapted certain theories which allow
us to categorize certain behavioral characteristics into particular personality types. In this report
we use one such theory, namely The Big Five Personality (BFP) factors to carry out the analysis
of our chosen character as it is now considered as one of the strongest approaches defining
personality (Digman 1990). As the name suggests, BFP theory analyses an individual in five core
dimensions, namely, conscientiousness, agreeableness, extraversion, neuroticism or emotional
stability and lastly openness to experience (Costa and McCrae 1992; Duff et al. 2004; Petrides et
al. 2010).
Captain Richard Phillips has been portrayed as a conventional, dutiful and strong-willed leader of
the cargo ship, heading a crew of twenty unarmed men. Phillips actions and mental activity can
be observed with the uncertain situations he faces in order to save his freighter, crew and at the
end his own life from four armed and ruthless Somalian pirates.

Conscientiousness:
Conscientiousness can be understood as the dependability of an individual. It can be summed as
the quality exhibiting discipline, constant aim for high achievement and a sincere commitment
towards duty. High scorers in this category have a tendency to act in a calculative and well thought
out manner as opposed to spontaneity (Goldberg 1990). According to some hypothetical studies,
conscientiousness has the greatest validity coefficient when contrasted against the other four
factors (Barrick and Mount 1993). Richard Phillips rates high on conscientiousness as his character
has been portrayed as being extremely dutiful and following instructions without questioning the
authorities. Although he is aware of the dangers he may come across while on duty, he follows
protocol in an orderly fashion and tries to prepare his crew for the worst by carrying out regular
drills. During the course of events when his crew is at stake during the ships hijacking, he places
their life before his and offers himself to the pirates.
Agreeableness:
The characteristic which reflects a considerate and trustworthy behavior can be categorized as
agreeableness. Individuals who are compassionate and helpful to the extent of putting others before
themselves rate high on agreeableness (Rothman and Coetzer 2003). The captains character
displays similar qualities where he shows high levels of compassion towards the youngest pirate
who gets hurt during the hijacking. Even though he has been taken hostage, he tries to help the
young boy by bandaging his bleeding foot. Also, at the time of hijacking, the crew follows their
captains instructions without questioning him as they know he means well for them. Cooperation

is an important facet of this trait and Richard offers complete cooperation to the pirates while at
the ship without losing his presence of mind.
Extraversion:
People rating high in extraversion tend to be more sociable and prefer to remain in others company
rather than in isolation (Besser and Shackelford 2007). Richard Phillips would stand on an average
scale of extraversion as neither was he a total loner nor was he portrayed a peoples person. The
above is stated in line with the fact that initially when a few crew members were seen socializing
in their break time, Richard didnt participate with the group and rather discussed only matters of
work with them. He did not have a very cheerful disposition although he did display great amounts
of assertiveness when his decision to continue after the failed attempt of hijack was opposed by
some of the crew. He ensured that his was the last word on the ship and that his orders were final
come what may.
Neuroticism:
A person is considered neurotic when there emotional stability is extremely low thereby causing
negativity in behavior. High levels of anxiety, raised tension and mental distress are a few
characteristics of this trait (Benet-Martinez and John 1998). The character under study
undoubtedly displays extremely low grades of neuroticism as he exhibits a calm and composed
disposition all through the shaking events in the film. Although startled by the skiffs following his
ship, he does not lose his nerve at any point and like a routine drill, carries out all the necessary
protocols to protect the freighter and its crew. Dealing with a stressful situation like the pirates
taking over his freighter, he remains in control and sends out possible signals to his hidden crew
about things like turning off the mains switch so the pirates wouldnt be able to find them. Also,
he mentions that one of the hijackers is barefoot so that the crew gets an idea to spread broken
glass at the entrance where they hid. He stays observant and ceases the opportunity of mentioning
his seat number to the US navy officers during a negotiation contact. Until the last minute where
they try shooting him, he remains emotionally stable and tries talking things out with the pirates.
Openness to Experience:
This trait encircles curiosity, broad-mindedness and a radically liberal behavior (Thoms, Moore
and Scott 1996). Captain Phillips appears to have a contrasting personality as against the above
mentioned traits. He displays a more conventional and conservative character who seemed to
prefer plain and simple terms thereby being low on openness to experience. This can be justified
by citing his conversation with his wife about how things are changing at a great pace and it may
not be as easy for their kids as it used to be earlier in terms of competition. He did not seem very
happy with the advances and changes that were seen in current times.

MOTIVATION
This report aims at studying the chosen characters motivation with respect to two theories one
content and one process theory. Motivation is a complex element which can be defined as the
driving force which controls a persons behaviors in regards to how they react to various situations
(Kalliath 2014). A motive stimulates an individual to act in a particular manner or exhibit a certain
type of behavior (Pardee 1990). Multiple theories have been put forward to understand the concept
of motivation, which have been broadly classified into content theories and process theories.
Content theories relate to the individuals needs i.e. what drives them. Maslows Hierarchy of
needs being a popularly acclaimed theory (Wahba and Bridwell 1976) has been utilized in this
reports analysis. Process theories relate to the cognitive element i.e. how an individual is driven
(Mohr and Lawrence 1982). Vrooms Expectancy theory has been chosen as the process theory to
be utilized for the report.
Maslows Needs theory represents a five-level hierarchy of physiological as well as psychological
human needs, according to which every individual at a given time is driven towards one of these
level of needs and only when a lower level need is fulfilled he tends to be motivated towards the
higher set of needs on the hierarchy (Maslow 1943).

Applying this theory to Richard Phillips, he can be placed at the safety and security needs level
when battling a life-threatening situation lead by the pirates taking over his ship. The driving force
at this moment was certainly to secure his crew and himself by ensuring everyones safety of life.
The crew although knew about the dangers associated while sailing near the African waters were
still unarmed and had no immediate backup. The captain knew they were to handle this hostage
situation themselves thus he took every possible measure from using water hoses to calling the
helpline number. Once the ship was taken over by the pirates, he did not succumb to fear and

remained calm, reassuring his crew. His main motive at this critical situation was to get rid of the
intruders due to the need for safety & security which he tried fulfilling by many ways. First he
offered them no resistance when the Somalians took over. Second, he readily promised them ships
$30,000 in return of his freighter and intact crew. Lastly, he didnt panic and rather used his
presence of mind to guide his hiding crew so they could tackle the pirates leader later. Once all
his plans failed and the captivators took him hostage, he still remained motivated to save himself,
either by jumping off into the water by duping the pirates or by repeatedly talking with the pirates
captain to psychologically intimidate him to let him go free. Although he might have been
unsuccessful at getting off the hijackers hands, Richard never once gave up hope.
A process theory further aids us in interpreting the motivation of Captain Phillips in the movie.
Vrooms expectancy theory is widely utilized for understanding the cognitive relation of the
characters driving force through the course of action he adopts in order to achieve a desired
outcome by performing to a certain level (Vroom 1964; Eerde and Thierry 1996).
The Expectancy theory is generally known as the VIE model (Valence, instrumentality &
Expectancy) (Mitchell and Mickel 1999). Breaking down this theory with respect to Phillips
character, it can be analysed under these three elements
Expectancy: The belief that putting in more efforts will reap a higher performance was practiced
by Phillips in terms of ensuring regular drills and personally checking the lockdown system in
normal times. He believed that they could face trouble at any point and that they must stay
prepared. His expectancy during the hostage situation remained unaltered and rather high when he
made every effort to get out of that lifeboat, whether it was by staying observant or by ceasing
every opportunity to talk the more vulnerable younger pirate out of it.
Instrumentality: He ensured his crew that if they performed well in such real-life situation, the
outcome would be favorable and that they would live unharmed. He instructed them to stick
together as a team and follow his codes till the time he still had his wireless. He himself put up a
brave face and kept the pirates captain engaged by reminding him that if he were there for business
then he must focus on that and not harm any of the crew. He knew what drove the pirates was
money and that what drove the crew was safety he lead the situation accordingly.
Valence: Its the significance of an outcome to an individual (Kroth 2007). Captain Phillips when
taken hostage in the crunched lifeboat, tried to psychologically weaken the pirates motives by
telling them that the US navy were involved and it wouldnt be possible for them to get away now.
He tried to make the importance of the expected outcome, i.e. receiving ransom for the pirates less
significant as against the outcome of saving their own lives which however went in vain. Richard
knew that he had to keep his fight on till the end as his expected outcome was clearly to come out
alive from the captivity. This valence drove him incredibly to stay focused, strong and levelheaded despite the condition he was faced with.
This process theory thus focuses on the concept of perception of an individual and the amount of
importance one places on the expected reward outcomes by performing at a certain level
(Gatewood et al. 2002). Richard Phillips placed a great value in the outcome and thus finally after
all his efforts succeeded in achieving freedom.

MANAGERIAL ACTIONS
During the movie, there comes a shot where both the captains (Phillips & Muse) mention that they
each of them are taking orders and dont have the autonomy of complete decision making. Richard
Phillips is a dutiful captain working under constraints of the policies of his shipping company. As
with every organization, certain managerial actions mold the motivation of each employee and
with the help of motivation theories mentioned above, it can be deciphered as to which actions
would motivate or demotivate an individual.
Managerial actions increasing motivation:

In terms of Maslows needs theory, one can place the characters innate needs on
various different levels at different moments of the story. In the beginning, when
Phillips is having a routine day at work he may have reached the level of selfactualisation as he wasnt portrayed as someone who would care much over a
paycheck or social acceptance. He may have preferred a word of recognition from
his management but it cant be distinctly clarified. At the time of hostage situation
and when captivated, his first innate instinct was to be safe and have the crew
secured. This need for safety and security can be used to motivate him by providing
him with a better equipped ship having arms and trained staff for tackling such
unwanted pirate confrontations.
Another possible action to enhance the captains motivation could possibly be that
the shipping company policies were such that Phillips when sensing danger in the
seas would have the authority to steer away, i.e. weighing safety over duty. If not
that then at minimum a quicker backup should be made available in such nervewrecking times, especially when they are sailing unarmed. A better infrastructure
provision and quicker help from the ship helplines would tend to motivate the
captain better.
As the crew was hesitant with the captains decision to stay on the route where they
had been saved from the skiff attackers once, managerial actions regarding
improved incentives to them and having their consent might help get them on board
so nobodys in for any shocks.

Decreasing motivation:

Greater delays by the US Navy and SEALs which are directed by higher authorities
could break down the captains drive as he may assume himself powerless and
helpless so as to break out of captivation.

It can be demotivating when the staff is unsupportive and not ready to align
themselves according to his plan of actions. Managerial actions with regards to
providing him with uncooperative staff can demotivate the character.
A crew member angrily says they did not sign up for this. Maybe the management
should have ensured the crews awareness of dangers associated with the job and
having their consent.
If the captain was not held responsible by the company policies for taking a longer
route and over usage of fuel, the captain may have been less motivated and steered
away

SELF-REFLECTION
Motivation can be explained in many different ways, yet remains a constant notion one may apply
either at workplace or at a personal level. It plays a significant role in an individuals course of
actions as well as his interpersonal relations. With the help of this impactful learning style coupled
with the theoretical knowledge that I assimilated through the coursework, I am now capable of
understanding not just the meaning of motivation but also its application in an organizational setup.
Being an administrator and having to manage a number of staff exhibiting differing personalities,
application of these theories shall aid in improving their motivation once I can decipher there needs
and what really drives each one of them. It is important for the managers to be well aware about
where each team member lies on the needs scale referring to Maslows approach or what rewards
hold superior value to them (based upon Vrooms theory). Once we can master ourselves in
perceiving other individuals, the organizational development is then much simpler and the
employees are certain to scale high on job satisfaction leading to improved retention in
organization.

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