Using Cognitive Ability and Personality to Select Information Technology Professionals

Abstract

In order to achieve competitive advantage, 21st century organizations will make substantial investments in information technology (IT). Effective human resource practices in the IT field will therefore be critical. We investigated the applicability of general mental ability and personality test scores in predicting high-performing IT professionals. Data collected from 94 information technology employees in a service industry firm were compared with supervisory ratings along four orthogonal criteria; technical proficiency, relationship management skills, adherence to documentation standards and requirements, and self-initiated professional development. Results were partially supportive of the hypotheses and provide impetus for further work investigating applications of these tests to predict programmer performance in staffing and selection processes.