Individual DifferencesThose work-relevant characteristics, both innate and acquired, that account for work behavior differences

Earlier: technical-interpersonal-conceptual differences in skill-sets

KSAO’s : HRM acronym Knowledge Skills Abilities Other Characteristics

Knowledge & SkillsSimilar in that they are both:

acquired, changeable through practicerelatively easily and precisely measuredeasily made observable

Knowledgepossession of specific information

traffic laws, accounting practices, market value

Skilllearned psycho-motor behaviorbehavioral application of knowledge

driving test, report taxable income, residence

Abilities & Other Characteristics

Similar in that they are:not easily changed; stableusually difficult to measure accuratelyinferred; not directly observed

Abilitiesmental (cognitive ability-IQ, verbal, math)physical (stamina, explosive strength)

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Cognitive Ability Examples in the Workplace

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Physical Ability Taxonomy

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City of San Diego Police Officer Physical Abilities Test

120 yards

Stairs

150 yards

3 ft barrier 6 ft

barrier

150 lb.Dummy Drag

75 lb. Handcuff Apparatus

Other Characteristics

Personalityrelatively enduring behavioral predispositions that reflect both genetic and environmental influencesstabledifficult to changeinferred

Biographical Data (Biodata)

Experiential and accomplishment differenceseducation level, work history, leadership, group membership

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16 Personality Factor Questionnaire Source Traits

Raymond Cattell• chemistry major• sought ‘elements’ of

behavior• personality traits as

basic elements• ERGs

• internal drives• Sentiments

• cultural socialization• ERGs & Sentiments

combine to (direct) behavior

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16PF Profiles

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The Big 5 or More?

•Compliant; sensitive to opinion; yielding; trusting; altruistic

Agreeableness•Org

anized; controlled; deliberate; disciplined; dutiful; focused

Conscientiousness

•Well-adjusted; unworried; calm; confident; content

Emotional Stability

•Outgoing; optimistic; gregarious; vigorous; active; assertive; warm

Extraversion

•Dreamer; intellectually curious; open to ideas & values; tolerant; imaginative

Openness

•Integrity; rule-follower; uninterested in lavish wealth or material gain; non-entitled

Honesty-Humility

FacetsFacets are components of the Factors

Conscientiousness

Dutiful

Desire to fulfill obligations

Desire to express loyalty

Organized Desire for routine

Heritability of TraitsTrait Heritability Sex

DifferencesExtraversion .54 Perhaps

Agreeableness .42 Probably not

Conscientiousness .49 Probably not

Emotional stability .48 No

Openness .57 Probably not

Intelligence .80s+ (in adults) No

Vocational Interests .30s+ (.40 artistic) NA

Schizophrenia .80 No

Depression .37 Mixed Findings

Anti-social behavior .40+ (in adults) No

Anxiety Disorder .30 No

Thomas Bouchard (2004). Genetic Influence on Human Psychological Traits.

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Validity for Big 5 by Occupational Category

Personality Dimension Sales CustomerService Managers

Skilled andSemi-skilled

JOB Training

Performance

Conscientiousness .29 .27 .19 .17 .24 .03

Emotional Stability .15 .13 .13 .09 .15 .09

Agreeableness .06 .19 -.04 .11 .12 .21

Extraversion .16 .11 .13 .01 .09 .19

Openness .04 .17 -.03 -.02 .06 .14

Hurtz & Donovan 2000

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Big 5 and Academic Performance

How might each B5 factor be implicated in academic performance?

- managing anxiety and evaluation apprehension- socializing or studying- curious; tolerant of opposing ideas- compliant; meeting expectations of others- deliberate; organized

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Negative Affectivity

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Self-Monitoring

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Holland’s Hexagonal Model of Occupational PersonalitiesAre your personal interests compatible with those of others who populate different occupations?

Occupational themes may be ‘oppositional’ or ‘congenial’

Hexagonal Model Themes

https://www.skillsone.com

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SVIB1

The Strong-Campbell Vocational Interest Blank

28 year-old female psychologist

Page 1

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SVIB2

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KSAOs?