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Should you be asking staff if they believe in free will?

Submitted by Adrian Gaskell MCMI on Fri, 20/08/2010 - 13:56

Do you believe in free will or do you think that we are passengers on life's rich voyage?  You might imagine that such questions are better suited to late night, philosophical discussions, yet new research suggests that the answer to this question can go a long way to determining the future performance of an individual at work.

The research found that possessing a belief in free will predicted better career attitudes and actual job performance. The effect of free will beliefs on job performance indicators were much greater than more well-established predictors such as conscientiousness and a strong work ethic.

The reasoning behind the findings is that those that exhibit free will believe that their careers are ultimately in their own hands, and as a result they will do what it takes to make it a success.

So there you go.  Next time you're interviewing a candidate for a job, ask if they believe in free will or not.

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Comments

Submitted by Colin Millar MCMI on Fri, 20/08/2010 - 14:18 Profile image

Does this not constitute a philosophical or theological belief and therefore mean that you cannot ask the question as a result of discrimination laws paradoxically?

 

 

 

Submitted by Adrian Gaskell MCMI on Fri, 20/08/2010 - 14:33 Profile image

I must admit I hadn't thought of it from that angle Colin.  I certainly wouldn't give it any religious connotations myself, but I suppose the key is whether the recipient does or doesn't.

Submitted by Colin Millar MCMI on Fri, 20/08/2010 - 14:43 Profile image

I remember reading somewhere that it was decreed that having no discernable philosophical or theological belief in itself constituted a philosophical belief!

What would be interesting is some kind of research into whether all the various legislative vehicles and regulations have helped:

1.  Reduce instances of discrimintatory behaviour; and

2.  Changed the beliefs or prejudices of people who had previously discriminated.

I think it may well have had an impact on 1 but certainly not on 2 as demonstrated by CMI's research into equal pay despite the Equal Pay Act?

It would be a cracking interview question though!

Submitted by Matt Chapman on Sat, 21/08/2010 - 17:51

Must say it sounds like political correctness gone mad if you can't ask that kind of question in an interview.