Pow: The Psychology Of Work

Professor Steve Woods works at the leading edge of research into personality at work, including psychometric and personality trait assessment, and personality development and change. In conversation here with Rob Feltham, he discusses two recent and important peer reviewed articles in which he and co-researchers have critically examined and challenged current assumptions and practices in the fields of both personality assessment and of cognitive testing for selection into graduate and higher professional occupations. Steve highlights the need for personality assessment to focus more on the dynamic nature of traits, and for the assessment domain to more fully encompass prosocial behaviours at work, particularly in the context of leadership.  As regards cognitive testing and prestige occupations, Steve points to its potential to perpetuate societal inequality and social disadvantage, and he outlines potential alternative ways forward for employers. Steve also discusses his own personal career journey.  Steve is