Abstract
Organisations have been making use of personality measures for many years, yet vocational interests, which are personality variables, remain relatively unused. This study set out to investigate the relationship between Holland’s six vocational interests and the Big Five personality traits. The study made use of the quantitative research method. The 221 participants were obtained using non-probability convenience sampling method, which consisted of university students and employed persons. These participants completed, Goldberg’s Big Five Factor Markers questionnaire and the South African Career Interest Inventory-Short Research Version. The relationships were analysed using correlation coefficients, property vector fitting, and criterion pattern profile analysis. The results suggest that Holland’s six vocational interests and the Big Five personality traits are related as theoretically expected. However, the relationships were not strong enough to warrant use of personality traits in lieu of vocational interests. This suggests that there is value in using both vocational interests and personality in organisational settings.
M.Com. (Industrial Psychology)