Abstract
M.A.
Triage is an instrument that is intended to assist in the decision-making process regarding managerial personnel. As such, it purports to measure personality traits that underlie managerial performance. Its information output is applied to assist with managerial selection, managerial development, and team building decisions and exercises.
Managerial and other work behaviour is highly influenced by cultural factors, and probably also the accompanying measuring instruments. The current research set out to assess whether Triage is a system that may be fairly applied for individuals from different races and genders. Methodologically the instrument presents huge potential since its computerised technology evaluates managerial traits in an effective and simplified fashion. Although it had been previously researched for a British population, -the minimum requirement for it to be applied fairly across South African groups was that it manifested acceptable levels of validity and reliability for the different South African groups to which the test battery is normally applied.
Issues of similarities and differences between different racial and gender groups were hypothesised as part of the research design. In line with theory and previous research results, it was expected that score differences would appear between groups, but that acceptable levels of reliability and construct validity would be indicated for all groups.
Cronbach alpha coefficients confinned relatively high reliability for all groups. MANOVA and ANDVA analyses confirmed cross-group differences in test scores. Factor analyses and canonical correlation analysis indicated that three factors have high relevance for all current and previous groups, with the Achiever/ Leader showing very high potential as a measure of managerial competence. Comparability of underlying structure was therefore indicated. The ANDVA and factor analyses did indicate, however, that the Alpha Test of Intelligence and the Levene Activities Preferences Questionnaire do not render cross-cultural equivalence regarding test scores and underlying dimensional structure.