Type A behavior pattern and managerial performance : A study among bank executivesin India

Type A behavior pattern (TABP) is a constellation of behaviors which, when present in an individual, can lead to the deadly disease called coronary heart disease. TABP is mostly found in highly industrialized countries, especially among individuals engaged in competitive vocations. The most vulnerable groups are executives, entrepreneurs and persons leading very busy life schedules. It is reported that more than half of the North American population is type A. In Europe, TABP is on the increase. In the rest of the world, however, research evidence is scanty in understanding the existence of type A behavior. This study explores the existence of type A behavior among executives in India and explores the connection between executive performance and type A behavior. A total of 132 bank managers of a leading commercial bank participated in the study. Results indicated that a large majority of the managers possessed type A behavior and that the highest performers among them were the ones possessing the most marked TABP.