MBTI Research

Our 48 motivational work assessment tool shows you where your natural preferences and energies lie and what motivates you versus what drains you. Our tools provide useful insights into personal growth, collaborating and communicating with colleagues, hiring talent that aligns with organizational values and roles, and improving teaming.

Despite the popularity of the Myers-Briggs Personality types many scientists have differing views about whether it is based on sufficient evidence and scientific validity. 

F4S is currently running a study on MBTI personality types to build upon the MBTI's types of personalities with our tool that utilizes evidence-based motivation theory and cognitive bias. By combining the two tools, we want to deliver unique, scientifically-backed insights into how you best work,what your specific talents are, and how to form successful relationships.

How F4S MBTI research enhances the MBTI personality test

MBTI is commonly used in a workplace setting to understand an individual’s attitude and talents better. The research will explore unique motivational and cognitive patterns related to the different MBTI types. Doing so will increase awareness of what motivates people, how to utilize their talents, as well as numerous strategies to improve culture, performance, and workplace well-being.

As F4S focuses on work settings rather than an individual’s general personality, this information will enhance MBTI’s application in the workplace, improving onboarding experiences, hiring for role alignment, and maintaining well-being and performance. 

The insights derived from the research will provide more opportunities for personality-type compatibility in the workplace, improved social situations and social events in the workplace, and a greater understanding of various types of personalities. 

What is the Myers-Briggs personality test?

The Myers-Briggs personality test is a self-questionnaire that identifies the strengths, weaknesses, and personality preferences of the 16 different MBTI types. It aims to help people select roles, occupations, and activities most aligned with their personality types. It can also inform social interactions and personality-type compatibility for healthy relationships in the workplace.

16 Myers-Briggs personality types

Through the collaboration between F4S motivations and the 16 different Myers-Briggs personality types, there is more significant knowledge of individual preferences through scientifically informed and evidence-based research. Understanding what motivates you can help you become more aware of your basic personality preferences and various dimensions of personality traits. With descriptions of MBTI types, our motivational tool provides the ability to hypothesize associated workplace motivations with MBTI types.

1. ESTP - Promotor

The ESTP personality type is energetic, decisive, and perceptive. They enjoy working in dynamic and flexible environments and are tolerant and open to change. This suggests they have a high motivation for Difference, being energized to be in rapidly changing environments, and Tolerance, valuing the uniqueness and diversity of those around them. Instead of taking a more strategic and reflective approach to tasks, they immediately jump into action and solve problems. At F4S, the motivation for starting tasks is Initiation, and solving problems is Away From Problems.

2. ESFP - Performer

The ESFP personality type is spontaneous, energetic, and adventurous, able to live in the moment, and find excitement wherever they go. The motivation to live in the present moment is Present, focusing on the here and now. They are social butterflies who spread their infectious energy everywhere and encourage others to have fun. At F4S, the motivation for Group Environment aligns with the desire to be around and work with others. Affiliation portrays the energy for building belonging, enjoyment, and meaningful relationships in the workplace.

3. ENFP - Champion

The ENFP personality type is a big-picture thinker who loves to motivate others, be enthusiastic, and achieve their goals. Breadth is the motivation for thinking at the big-picture level, and Goal Orientation represents energy gained from setting, communicating, and achieving goals. They are great communicators with high empathy and a genuine interest in others. High empathy refers to the motivation for Affective Communication, a preference for full communication delivery, and the use of non-verbal cues.

4. ENTP - Inventor

The ENTP personality type is assertive, outspoken, notoriously unorthodox, and naturally rebellious. At F4S, Assertiveness refers to knowing the rules and standards and communicating expectations to others. Indifference speaks to the energy for thinking outside the box and not being held back by the rules of others. They are visionary thinkers who love brainstorming with colleagues and sharing and testing their innovative ideas. The motivation for Evolution is the preference for evolving processes and coming up with new and improved ideas.

5. ESTJ - Supervisor

The ESTJ personality type enjoys being practical and bringing order and structure to a situation. Structure is the motivation for remaining organized and planning, and Present is a preference for being realistic and practical. ESTJs uphold and are committed to, following the rules and standards. This aligns with the motivation for Compliance, which is the energy to follow and be an example of the company's rules and customs. This type takes action based on concrete facts and personal experiences, aligning with Doing, the preference to personally experience an idea before feeling confident.

6. ESFJ - Provider

The ESFJ personality type cares deeply about the needs of others; being warm, caring, and empathetic. At F4S, this matches the motivation for People, the preference for working with and caring for others. They value group traditions and enjoy the structure and clarity that rules bring. This suggests a high motivation for Compliance, a focus on following the traditions and customs of one's company, and Structure, preferring order and organization.

7. ENFJ - Teacher

The ENFJ personality type is a natural-born leader with strong convictions, energy, and bold ideas. The capacity to be natural leaders describes the Power motivation, referring to being energized by ambition and directly influencing outcomes and projects. ENFJs are interested in making a positive difference in the world, speaking to the motivation for Goal Orientation, related to accomplishing significant goals and dreams.

8. ENTJ - Field Marshall

The ENTJ personality type thrives on accomplishment and is confident to tackle anything they are passionate about. The desire to accomplish things aligns with the motivation for Achievement and self-confidence related to Internal Reference. ENTJs are strategic thinkers who can maintain the laser focus required to drive their vision through to completion. This type's strategic and persistent nature aligns with Reflection and Patience, the motivation to be strategic and stick with projects until completion.

9. INTP - Architect

The INTP personality type is logical and analytic, enjoying making sense of the world through conceptual models. The motivation for Neutral Communication represents a rational communication style, and Concept is the energy for theorizing and analyzing before starting a task. INTPs enjoy developing novel approaches to problems and respond positively to change. The desire to solve problems aligns with the motivation for Away From Problems, and the adaptability to change matches Difference, or enjoying frequent radical changes.

10. INFP - Healer

The INFP personality type values being authentic and encouraging and supporting others to be their individual selves. This is a compatible match with the motivation for Tolerance, speaking to the energy people derive from being authentic and prioritizing diversity. INFPs thrive in a creative, progressive, and inclusive environment. The motivation for Affiliation refers to the preference for building belonging and inclusivity in the workplace, and Alternatives speak to the desire for creativity and experimentation.

11. ISFP - Composer

The ISFP personality type is curious and expressive, always looking for another adventure and fully embracing life's varied experiences. ISFPs' expressiveness aligns with the motivation for Affective Communication, valuing expressiveness and emotions during communication. The desire to adventure and enjoy life to the fullest refers to the motivation for the Present, valuing the present moment above the past or future. The ISFP MBTI type is genuinely interested in the contribution of their teammates and being able to facilitate harmony among team members. This conveys the motivation for Affiliation, the preference for building belonging and creating relationships in the workplace.

12. ISTP - Operator

The ISTP personality type enjoys experimenting, creativity, and exploring the environment through trial and error. This aligns with the motivation for Alternatives, finding new approaches to requests, and Doing, feeling most confident when experiencing a task themselves. ISTPs are goal-oriented, which is Goal Orientation in the F4S assessment. This personality type is confident in their abilities, relating to the motivation of Internal Reference, feeling confident in one's expertise and capabilities.

13. INTJ - Mastermind

The INTJ personality type enjoys complex projects that are intellectually stimulating, being highly analytical. The motivation for Concept is the preference for analysis and building a comprehensive understanding of a task, idea, or project. They find solutions to improve multiple systems, being strategic by nature. Systems speak to the energy for looking at various interrelated tasks and ideas, and Reflection and Patience, the motivation to be strategic.

14. INFJ - Counselor

The INFJ personality type has a strong sense of purpose, caring deeply about making a difference in the world. The motivation for Goal Orientation involves long-term and significant goals and Place, possibly relating to one's conceptual position in the world. INFJs are highly conscientious and will not stop until they know their actions are right, guiding their actions with their moral code. Depth is the motivation for taking a thorough approach to tasks, relating to this type's conscientious nature. The emphasis on moral conduct and doing the right thing may involve Assertiveness, the motivation to hold oneself and others to the same rules and expectations.

15. ISFJ - Protector

The ISFJ personality type is reliable and capable, feeling a strong sense of responsibility for tasks they have received. Sole Responsibility refers to the energy derived from having clearly defined and assigned roles and feeling motivated to have individual accountability at work. ISFJs have attention to detail and are deeply analytical. Depth is the motivation for being detail-oriented, and Concept is the preference for developing theories and analyzing to gain a complete understanding of ideas and tasks.

16. ISTJ - Inspector

The ISTJ personality type tends to make choices grounded in practicality and common sense, being logical, and maintaining clear thinking in stressful situations. Their practical nature aligns with the motivation for the Present, being pragmatic, and the rational approach aligns with Neutral Communication, the energy for remaining neutral and logical. ISTJs have immense respect for rules, hierarchy, and authority. This refers to the motivation for Power, enjoying being in a leadership position and roles involving strong influence and Assertiveness, the energy to hold oneself and others to similar rules and standards.

Combining MBTI and F4S in the workplace

The above-mentioned personality scale helps paint a picture of how you see the world, what roles may be most suitable for you, personal values, and how you may approach tasks in your everyday life. It can help improve your productivity in the workplace and help you be a more supportive coworker who builds relationships and communicates effectively. While most descriptions are broad, it does help you derive meaning about your personality preferences. These preferences indicate distinctive personalities and compatible personality types.

Pairing the Myer-Briggs personality indicator test with F4S motivational assessment adds an evidence-based lens, increasing your depth of understanding of your unique personality traits and work style. While F4S is not a personality assessment, it grants 48 new scientific inputs highlighting your uniqueness in the workplace, separate from your personality traits.

By recognizing and harnessing the unique insights driven by the MBTI personality test and the F4S evidence-based approach, we can unlock the full potential of talents at work to drive a better future. Together, these methodologies can amplify the cognitive diverse superpowers of each individual, offering a powerful opportunity to foster a world where everyone can thrive and excel in the workplace.

‍