Type in Organizations

What Is the MBTI® Assessment?

The MBTI assessment was developed by Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother, Katharine Cook Briggs, based on the personality type theory proposed by psychologist Carl Jung. As you explore your Myers-Briggs personality type, remember that the MBTI assessment
  • Describes rather than prescribes; it is used to open possibilities, not limit options
  • Identifies preferences, not skills, abilities, or competencies
  • Assumes that all preferences are equally important and valuable, and are used by every person
  • Is research based and well documented with thousands of scientific studies
  • Is supported by ongoing research

The MBTI assessment has been used for many years by organizations around the globe, including

  • Small businesses and large multinational corporations
  • Service and manufacturing companies
  • Consulting and training services firms
  • Government agencies
  • Established businesses and new entrepreneurial ventures
  • Educational and healthcare institutions

The MBTI assessment helps people in organizations

  • Understand themselves and their behaviors
  • Appreciate others and make constructive use of individual differences
  • Approach problems in different yet healthy ways and thus be more productive

Organizations use the MBTI assessment to:

  • Make the most of their talent
  • Leverage individuals’ natural strengths
  • Improve teamwork
  • Understand and adapt to differences in leadership/management styles
  • Increase communication effectiveness
  • Assist in career development
  • Manage conflict
  • Coach individuals
  • Design training activities
  • Recognize employees’ unique contributions
  • Develop employees’ skills in creativity, time management, stress management, and other areas