Employees’ personality traits may be linked with work outcomes like job performance and motivation. Researchers use meta-analysis and different types of matrices to study current and past data together to observe these trends. Hailey Park suggests different matrices can yield different results, and offers a framework for selecting one. 

Park and her colleagues found that common matrices predicted different outcomes based on traits such as entrepreneurship. For example, one showed a negative correlation between entrepreneurial success and agreeableness, but other matrices did not. Some explanations include the rating source (employees rating themselves vs. others) and the questions’ format. Recruiters using personality tests and HR managers conducting employee surveys should consider these factors as they collect and utilize data.