OCEAN vs HEXACO: Difference and Comparison

The human mind and human psychology are one of the most challenging areas to study. This is why a methodical technique was developed to aid in the process.

Furthermore, when it comes to employing personnel for your company, personality is crucial. Character reveals a lot about a person’s work ethic and social position, and it can help you determine whether or not they are a suitable fit for your company’s culture.

Key Takeaways

  1. Ocean is a personality model that focuses on the Big Five personality traits, whereas HEXACO adds a sixth trait: Honesty-Humility.
  2. Ocean is widely used in academic research and personality assessments, whereas HEXACO is a relatively new model.
  3. Ocean is more beneficial for predicting behavior in traditional settings, whereas HEXACO is more useful for predicting behavior in non-traditional settings.

OCEAN vs HEXACO

The difference between Ocean and Hexaco is that the Ocean model mainly focuses on Neuroticism. However, on the contrary, the Hexaco model mainly focuses on Honesty-Humility and Emotional stability. Both are personality trait models and are concerned with the development of personality or a particular trait in people.

OCEAN vs HEXACO

Ocean, a personality test model, was created in 1936 and has been in use since then. Henry Odbert and Gordon Allport are responsible for the Ocean model’s structure and development.

The ocean model, or this model of personality structure, is made up of five different variables. There are fifteen different versions of the Ocean model in total.

The Ocean model is a personality test model that solely considers personality qualities that include Neuroticism. Hexaco has been used since the early 2000s as a personality test model.

Kibeom Lee, an organisational psychologist, and Michael C. Ashton, a Canadian, are the masterminds behind the Hexaco model’s framework and everything it stands for.

Hexaco is a six-factor personality model. The Hexaco model has four different versions altogether. Emotional stability and Honesty-Humility are two personality traits addressed by the Hexaco model.

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonOCEANHEXACO
Development/ Existence1936Around the 2000s
People responsibleHenry Odbert and Gordon Allport.Kibeom Lee, Michael C. Ashton
Constituting factorsFive factorsSix factors
Total versionsFifteenFour
Personality traits differenceNeuroticismEmotional stability and Honesty-Humility

What is OCEAN?

Ocean, a personality assessment model, was created in 1936 and has been in use ever since. Henry Odbert and Gordon Allport are responsible for the structure and development of the Ocean model.

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This personality structure model, known as the ocean model, is made up of five variables. The Ocean model has fifteen different variations to choose from. 

Neuroticism in the case of the Ocean model. Extraversion, Conscientiousness, Openness, Neuroticism, and Agreeableness are the five personality qualities or variables in the Ocean model of personality.

When the first letter of all the traits is put together, they form the word “OCEAN”. This model is also popular in names like big five or five-factor models.

These theories are most relevant in workplaces. Ocean constitutes of variety of personality characteristics. It crucially focuses on those traits that are important for employees in workplaces. Subgroups of linked personality characteristics can be found within the five factors.

What is HEXACO?

The model, Hexaco, has been in use to explore several aspects of psychology. It allows prediction based on prosocial behaviour and behavioural testing rather than just prosocial behaviour.

The association between ethical and social behaviour has been supported in studies utilising the Hexaco model. Hexaco, a personality test model, has been developed and in use at workplaces since the early 2000s.

The personality model, Hexaco, is a personality classification system based on personality traits. As a result, factor analysis is frequently used in characteristic measuring approaches, such as the Hexaco model.

Unfortunately, factor analysis does not always produce conclusions that can be duplicated and used in all situations. There are four different variations of the Hexaco model in total. Kibeom Lee, an organisational psychologist, and Michael C.

Ashton, a Canadian, is the mastermind behind the structure and everything behind the Hexaco concept. Hexaco is a personality structure model that consists of six elements.

In the instance of the Hexaco model, this personality test model deals with personality traits such as emotional stability and honesty-humility.

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Main Differences Between OCEAN and HEXACO

  1. The personality test model Ocean was developed and has been in existence since the year 1936. On the other hand, the personality test model, Hexaco, has been in existence since the early 2000s.
  2. The people behind the structure and development of the Ocean model are Henry Odbert and Gordon Allport. On the other hand, the masterminds behind the structure and everything behind the Hexaco model are Kibeom Lee, an Organisational psychologist, and Michael C. Ashton, from Canada.
  3. The ocean model or this model of personality structure constitutes a whole total of five factors. On the other hand, the model of personality structure, Hexaco, constitutes a total of six factors.
  4. The total number of versions that the Ocean model comprises is fifteen. On the other hand, the total number of versions that the Hexaco model comprises is four.
  5. In the case of the Ocean model, this personality test model deals with personality traits that include Neuroticism only. On the other hand, in the case of the Hexaco model, this personality test model deals with personality traits that include Emotional stability and Honesty-Humility.
References
  1. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10869-019-09671-6.pdf
  2. https://arxiv.org/abs/2106.03060

Last Updated : 08 July, 2023

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23 thoughts on “OCEAN vs HEXACO: Difference and Comparison”

    • Absolutely, Bevans. It also enlightens the differences between them in terms of the time they were developed, the number of factors, and their constituting factors.

      Reply
  1. The detailed explanations and clear comparisons of OCEAN and HEXACO add value to this article, making it an enriching read for those seeking insights into personality models.

    Reply
    • Absolutely, Lscott. The article’s eloquent presentation and informative content make it a beneficial resource for understanding the distinct aspects of these personality models.

      Reply
  2. The individual sections on OCEAN and HEXACO serve as fundamental introductions to each model, making it easier for readers to understand their characteristics and origins.

    Reply
    • Absolutely, Xdavis. The details on the personalities covered by each model and their applications in workplaces help in establishing their importance in psychology.

      Reply
  3. The authors have done a commendable job in providing an in-depth analysis of the OCEAN and HEXACO models, highlighting their significance for academic research and workplace behaviors.

    Reply
    • Indeed, Qmason. The article presents a comprehensive comparison that caters to readers from various backgrounds, enabling a better grasp of these personality structures.

      Reply
  4. The focus on different personality traits, the historical context of the models, and the variability within each model is thoroughly discussed.

    Reply
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      Reply
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      Reply
  5. I appreciate the emphasis on the people responsible for the development of these models, as it adds credibility and historical context to the information presented.

    Reply
    • Absolutely, Udavies. The article successfully captures the essence of the OCEAN and HEXACO models and highlights the contributions of their creators.

      Reply
    • Completely agree, Udavies. The attention to detail in describing the differences and applications of each model provides a valuable and educational reading experience.

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  6. The discussion on the constituting factors, key takeaways and the comparison table gives a comprehensive understanding of the entire article.

    Reply
    • Indeed, Jacob17. The focus on the differences between OCEAN and HEXACO is useful for anyone studying psychology or interested in personnel selection.

      Reply
  7. The article successfully encapsulates the essence and key differences between the OCEAN and HEXACO models, providing a well-rounded perspective for readers to comprehend their significance.

    Reply
    • Indeed, Zhunter. It’s a valuable addition to the literature on personality models, offering a resourceful read for those interested in the domain of human psychology.

      Reply
  8. The comparison table and the content under ‘Key Takeaways’ provide a comprehensive overview of the differences between the OCEAN and HEXACO models, ensuring clarity for the readers.

    Reply
    • Absolutely, Joshua73. The structured comparison table effectively captures the dissimilarities, enabling a nuanced understanding of these personality models.

      Reply
  9. The article provides a clear insight into the development, existence, and the people responsible for the OCEAN and HEXACO models. It’s a valuable comparison.

    Reply
    • True, Hughes Victoria. The depth of information regarding the key takeaways and the main differences helps in grasping the significance of these personality models.

      Reply
    • Absolutely, the informative content and its delivery are top-notch, making it a beneficial read for psychology enthusiasts and employers alike.

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