Decision-making styles: managerial application of the MBTI and type theory

Applying type theory is a relatively inexpensive way for managers to increase effectiveness by emphasizing the qualitative issues in organizations. The author describes managerial and organizational uses of C.G. Jung's theory of psychological type, as operationalized in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). The MBTI is useful not only in identifying individual preferences, but also in developing effective managerial and working terms. Knowledge of one's own type and the type of others can help managers motivate others, maximize human resources, persuade others, and gain cooperation. An article in the January 1989 issue of JONA discusses the author's use of the MBTI to assess decision-making styles and the compatibility of hospital chief nursing officers and executive officers.