The world of psychometrics

HRM 29 Jan 2010

Psychometrics is the field of study concerned with the theory and technique of educational and psychological measurement, which includes the measurement of knowledge, abilities, attitudes, and personality traits. The field is primarily concerned with the study of measurement instruments, such as questionnaires and tests.

Background

Much of the early works in psychometrics were undertaken in an attempt to measure intelligence. More recently, psychometric theory has been applied to the measurement of personality, attitudes and beliefs, and academic achievement. Measurement of these unobservable phenomena is difficult, and much of the research and accumulated art in this discipline has been developed in an attempt to properly define and quantify such concepts.

The bridge between to business results

Psychometrics help people gain insight into attitudes, behaviours, and potential in the workplace. Insight into ourselves, as well as others, creates an understanding of why we get the results we do, or why meet the obstacles we encounter.

Psychometrics allows people to understand what they can choose to do differently in order to obtain the results they desire. With flexible training materials designed to facilitate learning, psychometrics allow people to turn their knowledge into action. Some key applications of psychometrics that are results-oriented include:

»        Talent Attraction – have the right applicants respond to your ads

»        Employee Retention – keep the best talent in the company

»        Succession Management – turn experts into managers and leaders

»        Team productivity and motivation – make teams work better together

»        Stress and conflict reduction – make your staff more effective

»        Change management – create a shared language across organisational layers

»        Mergers and acquisitions – effectively bridge differences in corporate cultures

»        Customer retention – have your sales people connect with your customers

Psychometrics can help tackle the issue of training myth – turning complicated program into simple truths. Training, besides skills equipping, is about asking people to modify their behaviour. A framework such as the DiSC® model, provides a consistent reference point so that participants will come to understand their own style, behaviour, motivations, strengths and weaknesses, and would be able to journey towards personal growth and development for results.

Psychometrics provide you with effective solutions to some of the most pressing business challenges by letting the problem define the solution, instead of the other way around. You can create success by inspiring, motivating and re-energizing individuals and organisations around the world.


Latest comments
Start a new discussion


Commented by: Dr. Psychometrics at 01 Feb 2010 03:10 PM Report this comment
The DISC model is a simplistic framework that many psychologists argue inadequately represents the individual. It should never be used in recruitment/selection. It may have a role in development, but there are scientific research reports that demonstrate how 2 scales on DISC are highly correlated with each other. This means there are only 2 scales of any use (even more simplistic). Also be careful of using this tool in Asia. Sure it has a following, simplistic tools do. However it is comprised of a number of different theories some of which have never been put to the test in Asia.

If you want to find more reputible psychometric tools try SHL's OPQ at www.shl.com or the Saville Consulting Wave or Identity Personality Assessments at www.psyasia.com.

Leave your comment
Start a new discussion

HRM Asia forum is the place for positive industry interaction and welcomes your professional and informed opinion.

Post a Comment
HRM Asia welcomes your contribution. Your IP address is recorded in the event of a complaint.
Name *
Comment *
You are about to submit your comment. Is it:
  • Professional
  • In your own name or pseudonym, not impersonating someone else
  • Free from rude language
  • Free from advertising
  • If you prefer not to post but are still keen to get your viewpoint across, you can always e-mail the editor.
  • 08 Sep | Temasek Polytechnic | Singapore
    If you enjoy the challenge of nurturing others to fulfil their greatest potential, we invite you to join us for a satisfying career
    03 Sep | Monetary Authority of Singapore | Singapore
    Human Resource Department
    03 Sep | Monetary Authority of Singapore | Singapore
    HR Department
    Taking care of travel risks
    Tony Ridley, Director, Security Services Asia Pacific, International SOS, says the range and types of risks associated with world travel have changed significantly in recent years. But, he points out, there are ways companies can manage them
    From HR to CEO
    Dispelling conspiracy theories
    Consistency is key
    Singapore National Employers Federation | trg@snef.org.sg
    SNEF-SMU CEO seminar on the Art and Science of Productivity Leadership
    Center for Creative Leadership | chinm@ccl.org
    Builds the Leadership Skills and Confidence Needed to Translate Strategy into Effective Action and Profitability
    Become a consultative problem solver in face-to-face sales situations, and take customers through the steps of the sales cycle.