Personality test scores in the management hierarchy: Revisited

Abstract

A678-case, 1955-1957 sample of management appraisal candidates had the same observed trends in personality test scores with hierarchy as did a 459-case, 1949-1952 sample (see 29: 3139). "Two conflicting general hypotheses regarding personality test scores in the management hierarchy are suggested. The first is that there are no strong trends except for independent achievement… . The second general hypothesis is that position in the management hierarchy is the result of a selective process whereby more intelligent people with better personalities, as defined by society, and stronger independent achievement motivation generally tend to rise higher in the hierarchy with age and experience than their colleagues less talented in these respects." (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)