Building a Better Workplace: Integrating Character into HR Strategies

In an increasingly competitive business landscape, organizations are not just hunting for the best talent to fill positions, but also seeking individuals who can contribute positively to their company culture. The MIT Sloan report emphasizes that both character and competency should be key considerations in hiring and promotion decisions. It argues that the character attributes of employees fundamentally shape company culture. According to Mary Crossan, a professor of strategic leadership at Western University, a focus on isolated elements of character, such as courage or drive, can lead to a narrow and incomplete understanding of a person. Instead, she advocates for a holistic approach, rooted in science, that encompasses multiple interconnected dimensions.

Crossan introduces the “Leader Character Framework,” which includes 11 character dimensions: judgment, transcendence, drive, collaboration, humanity, humility, integrity, temperance, justice, accountability, and courage. These dimensions provide a comprehensive lens through which to evaluate an individual’s character. Crossan suggests that unstructured, free-flowing interviews are the most effective way to assess these dimensions. Such interviews allow for a more personalized and thorough evaluation of an individual’s character traits, steering away from conventional, rigid assessment methods. By focusing on these character dimensions, businesses can ensure that they are hiring and promoting individuals who will contribute positively to organizational culture.

These character assessments should not be isolated assessments conducted by HR professionals alone. Instead, the assessment process requires observing the interviewer’s own character, identifying clusters of character dimensions, and taking note of the strengths and weaknesses in character development. Promoting employees from within the organization, according to Crossan, sends a strong signal about the character traits that are valued by the leadership. This approach can have a cascading effect on the company culture, significantly influencing it in a positive direction.

The Role of Character in Shaping Organizational Culture

In today’s competitive business world, companies seek employees who excel not only in skills but also in contributing positively to the company culture. The MIT Sloan report highlights that hiring and promotion decisions should consider both character and ability. It notes that employee character deeply influences company culture. Mary Crossan, a strategic leadership professor at Western University, warns against focusing solely on single character traits like courage or drive, as this provides an incomplete view of a person. She proposes a holistic, science-based approach that considers multiple interconnected dimensions.

Crossan presents the "Leader Character Framework," which includes 11 key character dimensions: judgment, transcendence, drive, collaboration, humanity, humility, integrity, temperance, justice, accountability, and courage. These dimensions offer a thorough way to evaluate a person’s character. Crossan recommends unstructured, free-flowing interviews to assess these traits effectively, as they allow for a more personalized and in-depth evaluation than conventional methods. By emphasizing these character dimensions, organizations can hire and promote individuals who will enhance the company culture.

Character assessments should not be the sole responsibility of HR. The process involves recognizing the interviewer’s own character, identifying clusters of traits, and noting strengths and weaknesses in character development. Promoting from within signals the character qualities valued by leadership, which can positively impact company culture and foster a strong, values-driven environment.

Explore more

How Does B2B Customer Experience Vary Across Global Markets?

Exploring the Core of B2B Customer Experience Divergence Imagine a multinational corporation struggling to retain key clients in different regions due to mismatched expectations—one market demands cutting-edge digital tools, while another prioritizes face-to-face trust-building, highlighting the complex challenge of navigating B2B customer experience (CX) across global markets. This scenario encapsulates the intricate difficulties businesses face in aligning their strategies with

TamperedChef Malware Steals Data via Fake PDF Editors

I’m thrilled to sit down with Dominic Jainy, an IT professional whose deep expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain extends into the critical realm of cybersecurity. Today, we’re diving into a chilling cybercrime campaign involving the TamperedChef malware, a sophisticated threat that disguises itself as a harmless PDF editor to steal sensitive data. In our conversation, Dominic will

iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro: A Comparative Analysis

In an era where smartphone innovation drives consumer choices, Apple continues to set benchmarks with each new release, captivating millions of users globally with cutting-edge technology. Imagine capturing a distant landscape with unprecedented clarity or running intensive applications without a hint of slowdown—such possibilities fuel excitement around the latest iPhone models. This comparison dives into the nuances of the iPhone

How Does Ericsson’s AI Transform 5G Networks with NetCloud?

In an era where enterprise connectivity demands unprecedented speed and reliability, the integration of cutting-edge technology into 5G networks has become a game-changer for businesses worldwide. Imagine a scenario where network downtime is slashed by over 20%, and complex operational challenges are resolved autonomously, without the need for constant human intervention. This is the promise of Ericsson’s latest innovation, as

Trend Analysis: Digital Payment Innovations with PayPal

Imagine a world where splitting a dinner bill with friends, paying for a small business service, or even sending cryptocurrency across borders happens with just a few clicks, no matter where you are. This scenario is no longer a distant dream but a reality shaped by the rapid evolution of digital payments. At the forefront of this transformation stands PayPal,