Type in Organizations

Four Process Pairs

The process pairs correspond to the columns of the type table. They combine Sensing and Intuition (S–N; the way you take in information) with Thinking and Feeling (T–F; the way you decide and come to conclusions). These combinations of preferences (ST, SF, NF, NT) are related to communication style, problem solving, career choice, and organizational culture.

All four perspectives add value to an organization. When one or more perspectives are missing, people can use the information in this section to supplement their view and ensure an optimal outcome.

st Sensing - Thinking
Focus on
  • What is; the facts
Contribute
  • Policies and procedures
Have as a goal
  • Efficiency
 Ask questions about
  • How will it be done, by when, and how much does it cost?
Like computers for
  • Keeping track of data
Experience conflict
  • When work is not done correctly
 Reduce conflict by
  • Having the structures in place
Want teams to focus on
  • Bottom line
May be found in these types of organizations
  • Government, production, construction
sf Sensing - Feeling
Focus on
  • What is; the facts
Contribute
  • Internal and external customer service
Have as a goal
  • Helping others
 Ask questions about
  • Who will it affect, who will do it, and how?
Like computers for
  • Keeping track of data, especially data relating to people
Experience conflict
  • When people disagree
 Reduce conflict by
  • Meeting people’s needs
Want teams to focus on
  • Offering support
May be found in these types of organizations
  • Service, healthcare, education
nf Intuition - Feeling
Focus on
  • What could be; the possibilities
Contribute
  • Ideals worth striving for
Have as a goal
  • Empowerment
 Ask questions about
  • How will it be communicated and who will it affect?
Like computers for
  • Aiding growth and development of self and others
Experience conflict
  • When values are ignored or crossed
 Reduce conflict by
  • Articulating values clearly
Want teams to focus on
  • Giving encouragement
May be found in these types of organizations
  • Communication, arts, counseling and development
nt Intuition - Thinking
Focus on
  • What could be; the possibilities
Contribute
  • Theoretical concepts
Have as a goal
  • Mastery
 Ask questions about
  • What is the latest and most relevant theory or strategy?
Like computers for
  • Modeling and simulating
Experience conflict
  • When principles are incorrect or faulty
 Reduce conflict by
  • Making sure the principles are sound
Want teams to focus on
  • Systems
May be found in these types of organizations
  • Start-up technologies, scientific, academic