The Role of Personality Assessments (PAs) in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Industry

With a long history of serving diverse industries, Personality Assessments (PAs) have been widely used to examine potential relationships between personality profiles, employee behavioral tendencies, and performance outcomes. The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry involves complex and interdependent processes that require the collaboration of diverse professionals with varying skills and roles. Individuals and teams play a critical role in these processes to ensure quality, efficiency, and safety in project delivery. PAs have emerged as a valuable tool for understanding the intricacies of organizational dynamics within the AEC sector. However, their exploration and implementation have been limited, leading to a significant knowledge gap that presents challenges for firms striving to optimize talent management and maintain competitiveness. This study employs a cross-sectional survey and semi-structured interviews with human resource managers, company executives, and senior leaders of AEC firms in the United States (U.S.) to investigate the utilization of PAs within the industry, shedding light on their advantages, disadvantages, and optimal practices. The results are based on 63 survey responses and 12 interviews. While perceptions of PAs are largely positive, challenges such as the need for careful planning, resource investment, and the risk of misuse were identified. Recommended best practices include clear implementation plans, cultural integration, and comprehensive training for employees and managers.