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Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a self-report questionnaire designed to indicate psychological preferences in how people perceive the world and make decisions. It is widely used in the context of employee selection and development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The MBTI is widely used in employee selection and development to help organizations understand and leverage the diversity of individual personality preferences.
  2. The MBTI can be used to identify an individual's natural strengths, communication style, and decision-making preferences, which can inform job fit and team dynamics.
  3. Employers often use the MBTI to assess candidates' problem-solving skills, leadership potential, and ability to work effectively in a team.
  4. The MBTI can also be used for personal development, helping individuals understand their own preferences and how they interact with others.
  5. While the MBTI is a widely used tool, it is important to note that it is not a measure of intelligence or ability, but rather a reflection of an individual's psychological preferences.

Review Questions

  • Explain how the MBTI can be used in the context of employee selection.
    • The MBTI can be a valuable tool in the employee selection process. By understanding an individual's personality preferences, employers can assess how well a candidate's strengths and decision-making style align with the requirements of a particular role. This information can help identify the best fit between the candidate and the job, leading to more effective hiring decisions and improved job satisfaction and performance.
  • Describe how the MBTI can be used to enhance team dynamics and collaboration.
    • The MBTI can provide valuable insights into how individuals on a team prefer to communicate, process information, and make decisions. By understanding the diversity of personality types within a team, managers can foster an environment that leverages the unique strengths of each team member. This can lead to more effective collaboration, improved problem-solving, and better overall team performance.
  • Evaluate the potential limitations and criticisms of the MBTI as a tool for employee selection and development.
    • While the MBTI is widely used, it is important to consider its limitations. The MBTI is based on self-reported preferences, which may not always accurately reflect an individual's true personality. Additionally, some critics argue that the MBTI oversimplifies personality and that individuals may exhibit characteristics of multiple personality types. It is essential to use the MBTI in conjunction with other assessment tools and consider the broader context of an individual's skills, experiences, and fit for a particular role or team.

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