Title: Enhancing the practical application of Five-Factor personality theory

Authors: Rae Andre

Addresses: College of Business Administration, Northeastern University, 304 Hayden Hall, Boston, MA 02115-5000, USA

Abstract: Although the Five-Factor Theory (FFT) of personality is today a dominant theory in psychology and business research, it is used much less frequently in applied settings. In this paper, the author describes why FFT is useful in practice and addresses some of the issues that have impeded its organisational application. Issues such as domain nomenclature, transitioning from other tests, and ethical concerns are examined, and methods to address these issues are suggested. Finally, the author reviews a variety of FFT instruments from a practitioner|s point of view.

Keywords: big five; FFT; five-factor theory; MBTI; Myers–Briggs Type Inventory; management practice; personality test; personality theory; personnel selection; psychological testing; ethics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMP.2011.039206

International Journal of Management Practice, 2011 Vol.4 No.4, pp.360 - 375

Published online: 25 Mar 2011 *

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