Psychological Profiling: 16PF

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What is 16PF?

The 16PF instrument is a valid and robust measure of personality traits. It was developed by Raymond Cattell in 1949 and is available in UK English and many other languages. The current fifth edition represents a controlled, natural evolution of the questionnaire and is based on over 50 years of research and testing. One of the most valid predictors of human behaviour, the 16PF questionnaire assesses an individual’s personality against 16 personality factors. This provides a valid and accurate predictor of future behaviour.

The 16 factors are:

• Warmth – Desire to develop close relationships with others

• Reasoning – Extent to which you can solve numerical and verbal problems

• Emotional Stability – How calmly you respond to life’s demands

• Dominance – Tendency to assert influence and/or control others

• Liveliness – How freely and spontaneously you will express yourself

• Rule-Consciousness – How much value is placed on externally imposed rules

• Social Boldness – How much at ease you feel in social situations

• Sensitivity – Extent to which emotions and sentiments influence outlook and judgement

• Vigilance – The extent to which you are cautious of others’ motives

• Abstractedness – How much attention is given to abstract rather than concrete observations

• Privateness – How much you like to keep personal information to yourself

• Apprehension – How much you are prone to self-criticism

• Openness to change – Extent to which you enjoy new situations and experiences

• Self-Reliance – How much you enjoy your own company and trust your own judgement

• Perfectionism – Need to rely on structure rather than leaving things to chance

• Tension – How easily situations can cause you frustration

Why Use 16PF?

Managerial positions involve critical decision-making and a high level of interaction with other employees within your organization. When filling a managerial position you need to consider more than basic skills and aptitude. You need to be sure that the potential manager’s personality is also compatible with your organisational culture, objectives and vision. The 16PF is the ideal tool for assessing candidates or current employees at the management or executive level. Through its 187-item personality profile, the 16PF offers insight into critical management characteristics including:

• Creativity

• Independence

• Leadership

• Self control

The 16PF looks past the traditional information provided by professional resumes and explores the intangible aspects of a candidate’s character, including personality factors, occupational comparisons and vocational observations. After testing, 16PF Interpretive Report provides with enough detailed information for you to choose managers who are the most compatible with the demands of the job.

What Should You Use 16PF For?

• Plan for precise work and career performance objectives.

• Assess management style in recruitment and in management development.

• Provide effective training for career development

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