OPQ32 Personality Profiling
The OPQ32, like the MBTI is a world leading personality profiling tool. It has been administered thousands of times and is available in a number of languages. Through its strong statistical pedigree the OPQ32 has become the favourite tool of many HR and Training Directors who want a detailed understanding of an individuals behaviour.
Why use it?
The core strength of the OPQ32 is its pedigree, tried and tested, reliable, accurate and in-depth – its provides a detailed insight in to an individuals behaviour. This kind of assessment is based on what is known as personality traits. Unlike MBTI (which assumes personality is categorised by a series of behaviours in to groups) – trait theory says that personality is best measured by examining individual behaviours (decisiveness, persuasion, outgoing etc) and then linking these together to create a model of the behaviour.
OPQ32 measures 32 individual behaviours that are associated with the world of work – creating potentially hundred of different combinations or models of behaviour. This makes the tool highly versatile in many different organisations and roles.
How to use it?
The OPQ is a formal psychometric assessment and comes in two forms – online and pen and paper. Pen and paper assessments should always be administered by a qualified practitioner as candidates do require a precise briefing ahead of completing the questionnaire. The online version is available in number of languages and a range of reports can be ordered including individual, team and leadership. Online assessments take around 40 minutes to complete and results are available immediately. In all cases feedback should be provided to explain the results to individuals.
When to use it?
Because of its detail the OPQ has a number of distinct advantages for organisations over the MBTI and as such can be used in a range of instances including:
- Competency mapping – measuring individuals behaviours vs organisational competencies
- Value assessments – measuring how closely an individuals behaviour fits with organisational values
- Recruitment – measuring how an individuals behaviour compares to those stated in a job requirement
- Coaching – as a precursor to coaching to identify development gaps
- Development needs – identifying individual development goals ahead of a training programme
- Team development – identifying the varying behaviours that exist within a team and highlighting where development may be needed
