Personality and Interests for Selection: Theoretical Perspectives

This article explores two theoretical perspectives on both personality and vocational interests in terms of their value for personnel selection. These theories stand out for the amount of research attention each has received. The personality perspectives considered are trait theory and social cognitive theory. The two vocational interest theories are Holland's typology model and social cognitive career theory. These theories are compared on the basis of how they address three questions: (1) What is the nature of personality and of vocational interests? (2) What are the processes by which each becomes instilled in the individual? and (3) What are the processes by which personality and interests are translated into behavior? Although each approach has certain strengths and weaknesses, the potential benefits associated with personality trait theory and Holland's typology model, both of which are viewed as essentially trait-based approaches, seem particularly salient for the immediate future.