In organizational environments, behavioral trait assessment is much more frequently used than psychological assessment. Behavioral trait assessment is most often carried out through the use of psychometric instruments. Psychometrics is the field of Behavior al Sciences that deals with mental measurement (intelligence / aptitudes/ personality / etc.)
A further useful distinction in the world of psychometrics is the difference between personality traits and personality types. Types are considered to be behavioral combinations measured independently, whereas traits are measured on scales. Trait-based measurements therefore provide a sense of relative strength and “dimension” to one’s personality. In type theory (e.g.
Myers Briggs) one prefers either one type or another – without a sense of relative degree.
There are two key dimensions of an individual’s personality that are most responsible for how they will perform – “traits” and “behaviors”. Personality traits are “persisting” characteristics which are consistently demonstrated in spite of changing circumstances or environment. Because they define habitual patterns of behavior, thought and emotion, they provide a foundation for predicting behavior. Behaviors, on the other hand, are about the way we conduct ourselves – what we say and do, and how we say and do it. Personality traits don’t change over time but we can alter behavior to a degree.
For example, a person may be very methodical by trait and yet have an occasional urge to demonstrate an impulsive behavior – pausing only slightly to plan that impulsive move …. Or to illustrate the same point in another way … extroversion is a trait, talkativeness a behavior. Anyone can be talkative, but when they talk, how often they talk, and the way they talk will all be directed by their location on the Sociability scale – whether they are reserved or outgoing, analytical or people focused.
The Advantage of Assessing Personality Traits
Many assessment instruments focus on behaviors – indicating the type of behavior for which a person has a natural predisposition (e.g. DISC instruments). Few focus on personality traits – getting to the core motivational level which underlies how people think, relate to others, and make decisions. OPP (Organizational Performance Pro.fileTM) is one of the most comprehensive Personality Trait Measuring Instruments available in the marketplace.
To accurately identify personality traits personality tests must undergo statistical analysis e.g. principal component analysis and internal consistency measurements. A body of analysis methods and theories has developed around the measurement of personality. Through such analyses it can be established statistically that a personality test measures what it claims to measure (validity) and that it will do so consistently (reliability). Utilizing an instrument with demonstrated validity and reliability ensures organizations are most accurately and comprehensively capturing the most important insights on employees and applicants.
The Seven Key Traits and Behaviors Measured Are:
Assertiveness: The PPS tools assess an individual's need to exercise control in his/her environment. A high need to control would be very assertive; a low need to control would be accommodating.
Sociability: The behavior assessment tools pinpoint an individual's need to build relationships and communicate with others. A high Sociability need would cause a person to be more outgoing; a lower need to socialize would cause a person to be more reserved.
Pace: Our behavioral analysis tools identify an individual's patience or proactiveness. A higher level of proactiveness would cause an individual to be more multi-tasked; a lower level of proactiveness would cause an individual to be more patient and methodical.
Detail Orientation: PPS tools assess the degree to which an individual is motivated by structure or independence in his/her environment. A higher Detail Orientation causes an individual to be more careful and thorough; a lower level of Detail Orientation causes an individual to be more flexible and casual with detail.
Behavioral Adaptability: Our assessment tools measure the degree to which an individual can adapt or modify his/her behaviors for different people/situations and sustain that adaptation.
Emotiveness: PPS behavioral assessments identify the ability of an individual to demonstrate a sensitive, empathetic approach with others; or a more logical, controlled and rational approach with others.
Creativity: PPS behavior assessments tools identify an individual's ability to bring "original thinking" to a discussion, problem solving or selling situation. Individuals can have a more conservative, innovative, or creative orientation.
Curious about how a personality trait analysis can impact your organization’s ability to effectively utilize talent? Contact Us today about the OPP (Organizational Performance Pro.fileTM).
