Personality Trait Tests

Personality theories, or models, are metaphors for describing something which is intrinsically indescribable, the human personality. Currently, one of the most popular approaches among psychologists for studying personality theory is the Five-Factor Model (FFM) or Big Five dimensions of personality. This essay will explore the 'Big Five ' personality constructs and seek to explain how useful they are to understanding how people are likely to perform in a work situation. In conclusion, this essay will also discuss some of the arguments against the relevance and accuracy of personality testing within the employment context.

This paper introduces the overview of personality assessment approaches in use currently in society. It proceeds to review the big five personality measures, its validity in prediction of personality types (Archer, 2011). The topic on MIPS questionnaires use in personality measurements and scoring methods used by the system is reviewed. Aspects on the social desirability trait and the distortion produced in responses to evaluation questionnaires, being a significant part of the problems in personality assessment is examined. Social desirability does not have an influence on the predictive validity of personality assessments. It is not related to performance in the job. Various strategies used for reduction of social desirability have been studied. The various tools used in assessments are recapitulated including some methodological aspects (Weiner, 2009). Cultural aspects in evaluation of personality discussed are touched upon. Two case studies are used to show the real life situation of personality assessment.

Barrick, M. R., & Mount, M. K. (1991). The big five personality dimensions and job performance: A meta-analysis. Personnel Psychology, 44(1), 1-26.

The first section of this paper details the elements that a personality type assessment typically measures. The second section contains discussion on the personality type assessment of the author of this paper. In the third and last section, the author shares how his personal assessment outcomes could affect his work relationships with his colleagues.

Following the profiling, holistic and psychoanalytic principles, the research looks to establish an assessment tool, including a psychometric scale based on Dark Triad elements, adapted particularly for the workplace that may be easily assessed in addition to the Big Five. The Big Five, or the Five Factor Model, dominates the personality theory for its extensive and comprehensive assessment capabilities (Eysenck, 2008). Its strength derives from the multidimensional approach of assessing the intelligence component (openness to experience), self-awareness and self-regulation (conscientiousness), sociability and impulsiveness (extraversion), rapport with others (agreeableness) and susceptibility to unpleasant emotions

Knowing the Type of personnel as tool of self assessment for leader is very important because by determining what characteristics will make for effective job performance, it can aid in personnel selections by increasing understanding of how personality and job characteristics interact it can result in better hiring, promotion decision and by providing insights into personality development it can help to anticipate, recognize and prevent to operate costly defenses by organizational members.

Predictive ability of interest entails the utilization of the personality assessment results in real life situation such as to select people that may be needed in particular activities such as employment. Dissenting argument have been advanced based on the influence of personality on job performance as employers look for specific personalities with others holding onto the study outcomes based on personality scores that attach no sense on job skills. However, every firm employs the predictive ability of personality in hiring. The predictive accuracy is only a teensy-weensy attached to personality test in hiring that is only based on the direct linkage of those test to practical job performance. Personality scores may not reveal the skills required for the job performance therefore skills becomes

First of all, I have never taken one of these personality tests before and I must stress that it is quite an eye opener. Immediately I got my results I shared it with my boss, who was quite intrigued and wanted to take it herself. So, thank you.

The results of personality tests have shown to be consistent in a sense that they are able to predict success in a number of roles. Moreover these tests offer employers a great deal of plasticity as they are able to focus on the areas that are most relevant to a particular matter.

Gatewood, Field, and Barrick (2011) assert that personality data can provide valid information for guiding selection decisions, as long as it is collected appropriately. Additionally, personality characteristics influence performance at work, specifically conscientiousness and emotional stability. These traits can greatly influence employee performance in various areas due to their connections to employee capability for hard work, persistence, and ability to manage stress. Managers also care greatly about the personality traits of potential applicants, sometimes even more than is warranted. While the predictive validity of personality traits has shown to be modest for job performance, it does exist. Furthermore, the authors assert that personality

Allport defines personality as ‘the dynamic organisation within the individual of those psychological systems that determine his unique adjustment to his environment’ (Allport, 1937). An individual’s unique personality traits and attributes are a powerful indicator of how he/she will interact with the work environment. The difference between average and outstanding employees can often be solely personality related. As the employee is the most valuable asset to the company, ‘selecting the right employee during the process is critical’ (Carbery and Cross, 2013, pp. 41-53)

Myers Briggs Type indicator is usually the standard for managers and human resource departments to categorize employees to help determine the best method of coaching for optimal performance. Employees were given a test and evaluated on categories that included extraversion-introversion, sensing-intuitive, thinking-feeling, and judging-perceiving. A personality profile was based on evaluating these categories. A new method of creating personality profiles has been introduced in the workplace that expands upon the categories of the Myer Briggs Type indicator. This is called the Big 5 Factor Personality Type. This method evaluates emotional reactions, interpersonal patterns, and openness to experience, agreeableness, and work ethic (Briggs, 1998). By evaluating these categories, immediate supervisors can predict job performance across many industries. For example, low scores on emotional reactions, high extraversion, and high conscientiousness or work ethic is an indicator of high job performance. Job burnout can be predicted by

The Worker Characteristics component provides details on the abilities, occupational interests, work values, and work styles needed for the job. Understanding the worker characteristics, helps us to understand which personality characteristics are needed to perform a job. Since personality is related to job performance, the Big Five personality assessment could enhance this section of O*Net and help clients to understand if the candidate’s personality is a match for a certain job. The Big Five personality inventory would help DM to match the client’s personality with a job that requires such

Companies have started to use personality tests in the past five years so that they can find a potential employee’s strengths and weaknesses. If questions and answers are quite accurate and test is done properly it can help an employer to find more about person’s advantages and disadvantages. It is very important to know because one of the most important points is that most of personality tests help to recognize unqualified candidates. “Although experts warn that many personality assessments don't deliver what they promise, legitimate scientifically validated tests are helping employers evaluate job candidates to select those best suited for particular positions. Other tests are designed to measure intelligence, honesty, management aptitude and other qualities.”

Personality has been inherently defined as possession of a particular set of characteristics possessed by people which influences their behaviour and reactions in different situation along with their motivation level to react to difficulties at the workplace. However, understanding personality traits and their development has been a contentious matter. Nonetheless, various theories have been forwarded to rather contribute to this contentious debate. For example employers set goals and encourage involvement with the company to have a better employee performance, which would result in higher motivation level subsequently leading to increased efficiency. Studies regarding the relationship between personality traits of a particular employee