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.