Managerial level, personality and intelligence

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether managers at different levels differ in terms of ability and personality. Design/methodology/approach – Assessment centre results for over a thousand managers on two cognitive and two non-cognitive tests were subject to analysis of variance. Findings – Non-manager specialists scored highest on one ability test, but lowest on the other. Senior managers had highest Expressed Inclusion and Control scores but lowest Wanted Inclusion and Control scores. Non-managers were found to be most diligent and dutiful. Research limitations/implications – Level is inevitably confounded with age and experience, which may impact onto the individual difference variables making it difficult to accurately attribute causality. Practical implications – It is important to use psychometric test data to help in selection of all managers. Different levels require different profiles. Originality/value – An exploration of individual differences in a large sample of managers that may relate to promotion to senior management levels.