Personality Use in the Organizational Context: A Review

Abstract

This thesis reviews literature focused on the utilization of personality inventories in organizations. The theories and models of personality psychology can be applied by industrial-organizational psychologists to understand the functions of personality in the workplace. There has been evidence to support the benefit of personality inventories in a multitude of ways. This thesis discusses a brief history of personality testing, followed by personality theories and models utilized by industrial-organizational psychologists. The assessment of personality in organizations is also discussed. First, personality as a predictor of job performance is discussed. This is followed by a discussion of the various ways personality contributes to important outcomes in the workplace, including recruitment, selection, training, and team development. Finally, two popular personality assessments are described, and future directions are provided.