Interest, ability and personality characteristics of two samples of employed realistic males: Implications for management and assessment

Abstract

This article identifies interest, ability, and personality characteristics of two geographically distant samples of adult males employed at two separate locations of the same corporation, a paper manufacturer. Each of these participants was assessed in developmental or selection assessment centers. Each sample on average strongly endorsed realistic occupational interests (Holland, 1997) with different secondary and tertiary interests depending on which interest measure was used (Strong Vocational Interest Blank vs. the Vocational Interest Inventory). The results generally confirmed Lowman’s (1991, 1993) interdomain model in the samples’ ability and personality results. Compared with normative groups, the samples scored, on average, high on mechanical abilities, average in verbal and overall general intelligence, but in the high average range on nonverbal intelligence while scoring average in the assessment center exercises. On the personality measures, participants on average presented themselves as being masculine, inflexible, and closed minded on personality measures. Although participants also on average presented themselves as being extraverted and socially dominant, these results were interpreted in the context of positive impression management associated with their candidacy for advancement consideration. The authors discuss the implications for the management of such employees and interventions into their work settings.