Qu'est-ce que MBTI — Myers-Briggs Type Indicator ?
Definition
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is one of the most widely used personality typology tools in the world. Based on Carl Jung's theory of psychological types, it classifies individuals into 16 personality types using four dichotomous dimensions: Extraversion/Introversion (E/I), Sensing/Intuition (S/N), Thinking/Feeling (T/F), and Judging/Perceiving (J/P).
In practice
In a professional context, the MBTI is used for team development, communication coaching, conflict resolution and leadership development rather than for hiring decisions. Certified practitioners administer the questionnaire and provide feedback sessions to help individuals understand their preferences. The tool has genuine value in facilitating self-awareness and team dynamics conversations. However, it should never be used as a selection tool: its predictive validity for job performance is very low, its test-retest reliability is modest (25–50% of people get a different type when retested after just a few weeks), and it has been widely criticised by personality psychologists. For selection purposes, the Big Five model has far stronger scientific support.
Key takeaway
Use the MBTI as a conversation starter for personal development and team understanding — never as a hiring filter, where it has no scientifically validated predictive value.
Définitions connexes
Personality Assessment
Standardised psychological tool measuring individual traits, preferences and behavioural tendencies to inform professional development or selection decisions.
Big Five — OCEAN Model
The most scientifically validated personality model, measuring five traits: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism (OCEAN).
DISC Assessment
Behavioural model that classifies individuals into four profiles — Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Conscientiousness — to understand communication and work styles.
Enneagram
Personality typology model identifying nine fundamental character types, each with its own motivations, fears and development patterns.