Personality Assessments to Maximize Organizational Efficiency

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Personality can be defined as “the combination of stable physical and mental characteristics that give the individual his or her identity” (Kinicki & Kreitner, 2006, p. 132). The dimensions that make up personality include thoughts, emotions and behavior patterns (Robbins & Coulter, 2009). Personality has quantifiable aspects that remain stable throughout a person’s lifetime. The Myers-Brigg Type Indicator and the Big Five model are personality assessments that attempt to classify observable behavior. Some organizations use these assessments when hiring employees, placing them in an appropriate position, and promoting these individuals within the organization. Personality assessments can also be effectively used in groups within the workplace as a tool to maximize productivity by facilitating better communication and cohesion. The Myers-Brigg Type Indicator (MBTI) was developed by two non-psychologists, Myers & Brigg, who produced a personality assessment based on the work of psychologist Carl Jung (Coe, 1992). Jung theorized that human behavior can be predicted by an individual’s personality (Kinicki & Kreitner, 2006). This type theory suggests that we have an innate preference for “paired opposites” based on four dichotomies – energy, information-gathering, decision-making, and lifestyle (Daft & Marcic, 2009, p. 390). The MBTI assessment is used to determine where you draw your energy from in social situations (Extrovert or Introvert), how you prefer to gather information (Sensing or iNtuitive), how you tend to make decisions (Feeling or Thinking), and what your style of making decisions is (Perceptive or Judgmental). Extroverts tend to “talk to think” and get energy from interacting with other people (Coe, 1992, p. 512). Intr... ... middle of paper ... ...eopathy. Similima. Retrieved April 13, 2011, from http://www.similima.com/gen107.html Kroeger, O., & Thuesen, J. (1988). Type Talk. New York, NY: The Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group. Laney, M. O. (2002). The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World. New York, NY: Workman Publishing Company, Inc. Llewellyn, B., & Holt, R. (2010). Personality Test. Net Places Career Test. Retrieved April 13, 2011, from http://www.netplaces.com/career-tests/personality-and-your- career/personality-test.htm Pearman, R., & Albritton, S. (2010). I'm Not Crazy, I'm Just Not You (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Nicholas Brealey Publishing. Robbins, S. P., & Coulter, M. (2009). Management (10th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Robbins, S. P., & Judge, T. (2008). Essentials of Organizational Behavior (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

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