BitBox, AssuredDirect Ltd

PERSONALITY MATRIX and JOB PROFILER
Shareware Release


This Shareware version of Personality Matrix for DOS has
been limited to only allow you to view reports and job
profiles on-screen.

Register your Shareware version of Personality Matrix with
us NOW and receive the full and unlimited comercial version
of this product with report and job profiler printing functions
enabled, complete results database functions, and a detailed
paper-based manual discussing the product functionality and
DISC theory in detail.


USER GUIDE

ABOUT PERSONALITY MATRIX

Personality Matrix is a broad-based personality assessment
tool, designed to extract essential information about a
candidate's personality and provide detailed analyses of its
results, including an assessment of their suitability for
various job styles.  This release also includes a Job Profiler,
which allows you to tailor these job descriptions to meet your
own specific needs.

THE SHAREWARE VERSION

The shareware version of Personality Matrix is essentially
identical to the full release version, except that all printing
facilities have been disabled, and candidates' results are not
stored by the system.  The standard release will print a detailed
analysis of either a candidate's personality or a job profile
interpretation, and maintains complete records of all candidates
tested, allowing their results to be recalled at any time.

ABOUT THIS USER GUIDE

This is an abridged version of the full Personality Matrix user
guide, which only contains information essential to the
operation of the system.  The full user guide gives a much
fuller description of Personality Matrix's capabilities, and
includes a greater depth of information on the DISC personality
test itself, together with general information about
interviewing techniques, understanding the systems reports and
job profiles.  The manual also includes manual test forms to
allow tests to be completed by candidates away from the
computer.

RUNNING PERSONALITY MATRIX

Change into the directory that holds the Personality Matrix
software, and type PMATRIX at the DOS prompt.  It is important
that the current directory is that in which the software is
installed - Personality Matrix cannot be run from another
directory.  If you are using the system from within Windows,
ensure that the Working Directory is set to this directory
name.

From the Main Menu, use the cursor arrow keys to move the
selector box, and press Enter to select that function.  To exit
to DOS, press the F10 key on this screen.

Full documentation of each of the functions is beyond the scope
of this abridged manual - the descriptions below give only a
brief outline.  You are encouraged to experiment and discover
the capabilities of the software for yourself.  Remember that
help is available throughout the system.  Press the F1 key for
a list of available keystrokes and their functions.

Other useful keystrokes to remember are 'Esc', which will abort
most operations, and 'F10' which will usually move you on to
the next screen.

PERFORM TEST

The basis of Personality Matrix's analysis is a personality
test based on the widely-used DISC system.  This function
executes this test in one of two forms.  Note that the second
option is designed for direct input from a separately completed
manual questionnaire and will not normally be applicable to
this shareware release.

When completing a Personality Matrix DISC test, the candidate
should imagine themselves as they would be in a work
environment.  The test tends to give best results if the
candidate does not think too deeply about their answers (this
is the reason for the timing bar at the base of the test
screen).  Honesty in answering is also important; while the
system will detect most attempts to give dishonest or
inaccurate information, the results in this situation are not
particularly useful.

Once the test is complete, the results will be displayed.  Press
keys 1, 2, 3 and 4 to select different results screens:

DISC Graphs (press '1' to access this screen) are the standard
results form for a DISC test, and they included primarily for
users who are familiar with this type of assessment.  Their
meanings are discussed in the brief section on DISC personality
assessment near the end of this user guide.

The Score Gauges (press '2') show different levels of some
useful work skills in graphical form, and include a measure of
the amount of stress that a candidate is experiencing, as
analysed from their test results.

The Textual Report (press '3') is exactly that, a textual
analysis of the candidate's personality, including an
assessment of their strengths and weaknesses and their
reactions in certain situations.

The Job Match (press '4') allows you to compare the candidate's
personality with a variety of predefined ideals for different
jobs.  By using the Job Profiler functions of Personality
Matrix, you can add jobs of your own to this list.

DISPLAY RESULTS

This option calls up results from the database, in the full version
of Personality Matrix.  It is not available in the shareware release.

PRINT OUT REPORT

This function compiles and prints a report including all the
basic information from the 'Display Results' function.  This
facility is not available on the unlicensed shareware release
of Personality Matrix.

MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS

The primary use of this function is to allow modification of
the basic system configuration.  Select 'System Configuration'
to define the question set to be used during the test, and to
set up printer information.  Note that the import/export
functions available from this menu are designed specifically
for use with the companion product 'Personality Matrix
Executive', and are NOT intended for general back-up purposes.

MAINTAIN PERSONNEL FILE

This function allows you to modify candidates' personal
details, and to delete unwanted records from the candidate
file.  It is not available in the shareware release.

CREATE JOB PROFILE

The Job Profiler allows you to define new jobs and job styles 
for use with the Job Match facility available from the Display 
Results function.  'Create Job Profile' is its most basic 
function; this displays a twenty-four-part questionnaire from 
which an ideal personality profile for a particular job is 
produced.

AMEND JOB PROFILE

Using the function allows you to 'fine-tune' a job profile to 
meet your specific needs.  This function can be used to amend 
either your own user-defined profiles, or any of those supplied 
with the system.

DELETE JOB PROFILE

Simply removes unwanted Job Profiles from the Job Profile 
library.  Use this function with care as there is no way of 
recovering a profile once it has been deleted.

COPY JOB PROFILE

Allows you to make a copy of any job profile from within the 
Job Style reference library.  This is particularly useful where 
you wish to create a similar but not identical job description, 
without losing your original profile.  Of course, the copy has 
a different name from the original Job Profile.  Once the 
profile has been copied, you can use the 'Amend Job Profile' 
function to tune it to your exact needs.

VIEW PROFILE REPORT

This option displays a textual analysis of any Job Profile in 
the library.  This is a useful way of checking that a user-
defined profile really does meet the needs it is intended for, 
or for gaining more insight into the meanings of profiles 
supplied with the system.

The full system provides a facility to print out copies of this 
textual report, but this option is not available in the 
shareware version.


DISC THEORY

Although the personality analysis functions provided by 
Personality Matrix are wide-ranging, they cannot possibly cover 
every question.  An understanding of the way in which the DISC 
personality assessment system works will allow you to 
understand the DISC graphs directly and draw your own 
conclusions.

In order to understand the DISC graphs, some discussion of the 
theoretical basis of the system will be necessary.

The DISC Factors

Each DISC graphs shows the values of four basic traits; D, I, S 
and C.  These factors refer to:

Dominance (D)

People with a high D score place importance on their own needs 
and will take steps to achieve them.  Highly Dominant people 
seek management positions or entrepreneurial roles; they 
dislike taking instructions and prefer to be in a position of 
personal power.

Dominant individuals ('High D's') are competitive and assertive 
in their behaviour.  They tend to be self-centred or selfish, 
but this has a positive aspect in that it gives them a sense of 
individual responsibility.  As such, they work well in 
positions of power, and are particularly motivated when they 
hold such positions.  They judge according to results; to a 
High D, the end does justify the means.  Efficiency is also 
important to them, they dislike wasting time, wanting to 
complete tasks as quickly as possible; this can lead to 
reckless or impulsive acts at times.

They are not trusting by nature, and can be highly adaptable in 
seeking ways to gain advantage from a situation.  High D's are 
active in style; they prefer to tell rather than ask, and can 
be quite autocratic.  Under pressure, their instinctive 
reaction is to dictate solutions forcefully.

Influence (I)

A person with a high I score is someone who is assertive and 
outgoing, but who channels this assertiveness towards other 
people, as opposed to using it to further his own needs.  The 
more familiar term for this type of behaviour is 
'extroversion'.

High I's are outgoing and talkative; they often appear to be
self-centred and egoistic, but this is not the case.  In fact,
they are deeply concerned with how others view them, and try to
attract attention and appreciation by behaving in an overtly
sociable manner.  These are emotional people who rarely base
their judgements on logic and whose feelings are easily hurt.

People of this type actively seek recognition and approval from
others.  They are trusting and open, and as such often lack
tact or guile. They do not handle pressure well, tending to
vent their anger in the form of attacks or insults, rather than
channelling it to find a constructive solution to the problem.

Steadiness (S)

A profile showing high Steadiness relates to a personality
concerned about the needs and thoughts of other people, but
does not possess an extrovert character.  This leads to an
amiable and patient personality type.

Steady individuals are patient, amiable types who enjoy the
company of others and place value on being well thought of.
They do not handle stress or pressure well, and need to be in a
comfortable, friendly environment to work at their best.
Despite their emotional nature and enjoyment of the company of
others, they are not naturally outgoing and will rarely make
the first move in a social situation.

The patient, thoughtful element in the High S personality needs
time to consider all options before making a final decision; 
these people do not like the risk and will avoid it where they 
can.  Nevertheless, once they have made a decision, they will 
persevere with it no matter what the consequences, as they 
dislike change and will resist anything that might threaten the 
stability of their environment.  In a conflict situation, High 
S's will prefer to reach a compromise solution than to argue.

Compliance (C)

In behavioural terms, a high Compliance score relates to an 
ambitious, self-oriented type of person who will try to achieve 
his goals by subtle means.  Note that the term 'Compliance' 
relates to their external appearance rather than their true 
personality style.

High C's like to be certain; they will rarely take risks and 
work best within a clearly defined framework.  If they find 
themselves in a situation with no rules, they will usually try 
to invent their own.  These people like to consider problems 
logically and dispassionately; they avoid conflict and evade 
emotional pressure, being particularly adept at finding 
diplomatic solutions to interpersonal problems.

Personalities of this type value thought and analysis; they are 
perhaps the most cerebral of the four DISC factors.  They 
concern themselves with systems and methods, to which they 
apply their logical faculties.  Somewhat unemotional and 
reserved, these people tend to keep themselves to themselves, 
and often have a cynical or sceptical approach to life.

Note: These comments are general observations on style and may 
not necessarily prove to be accurate in all cases.  In most 
cases, however, the points mentioned will assist you to 
formulate an accurate overall personality style to enable you 
to make improved judgements in the commercial arena.

The Three Graphs

DISC results appear not as one graph, but as a set of three.  
This set is the 'profile series', with each of the three 
graphs, known as the 'Work', 'Pressure' and 'Basic', relating 
to a different aspect of the candidate's personality.

The Work Profile

The Work Profile comes directly from the candidate's answers to 
the test questions.  It reflects the sort of personality that 
he is trying to display, as opposed to his true character.  By 
comparing this profile with the Pressure (see below), it is 
possible to see where the candidate feels his current 
deficiencies lie, and how he perceives his current job.

The Pressure Profile

The Pressure Profile derives from a far more complex set of 
calculations than the Work (see above).  It reflects the 
candidate's personality far more accurately than the Work, and 
shows what his true motivators and Pressure values are.

The Basic Profile

The Basic profile is a composite of the Pressure and Work, used 
as a quick reference profile.


USING PERSONALITY MATRIX IN A COMMERCIAL ENVIRONMENT

The Personality Matrix inventory provides a series of clues and 
insights that allow a format for career potential planning, 
both by the individual himself and more effective selection 
assessment and training development by managers.

To optimise the information presented as a result of the test; 
managers should use the results as part of a total picture 
where each individual's potential is measurable against 
preferred job styles.


IMPORTANT NOTE

There is a sound basis to believe the dimensions are highly 
relevant to the behaviours of concern in commercial 
environments.  However, results obtained should always be used 
in conjunction with conventional selection and assessment 
techniques and should not form the basis of the assessment of 
an individual in isolation.

The Personality Matrix system cannot, and makes no claims to be 
able to, absolutely guarantee improved performance.

Analysis of the results of the test should be used with 
caution, in conjunction with the more personal assessment 
approaches.  It is also true to suggest that the program is not 
immune to conscious distortion, although in general terms, the 
personality shape will allow the assessor to develop an 
individual interviewing style, which will usually evoke 
comment.

We recommend that no more than four individual assessments be 
conducted within a twelve month period.


Transend Ltd
FREEPOST BD2582
Bradford
BD10 8BR

Telephone (0274) 622228
Fax (0274) 620774

The software is protected by copyright law in the United 
Kingdom and other countries.  All rights are reserved.  Any 
unauthorised copying, whether for resale or not is strictly 
prohibited.


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