February 8, 2023
Forbes recently published an article discussing personality tests and Professor of Marketing Carey Morewedge’s study on how people believe they are less biased than their peers.
Personality tests may be used as a tool for assessing characteristics, however they are unable to predict the exact behavior and personalities of individuals. Many of these tests assess preferences rather than skills of individuals, which makes them difficult to be useful. Self-awareness and communication skills are often built through personality tests, but these qualities can impede diversity, equity, and inclusion instead of aiding it.
Within his study, Professor Morewedge found that only one out of 661 participants believed they were more biased than others, which isn’t always true. Many people are often blinded to their own biases, discriminating against others unintentionally.
While psychometric assessments could be a beneficial tool in the future, the use of these tests without cultural intelligence is dangerous.
