Hogan Assessment: Accurate Insights for Targeted Talent Selection and Development
In today’s workplace, the right selection and development of talent play a critical role in a company’s success. Personnel decisions are among the most important tasks in any organization. However, on average, one in three hiring decisions is wrong: the person does not meet performance expectations, does not fit the company culture, or leaves the company within the first few months or years. The reason for this is that personnel decisions are often made based on gut feeling – the method with the poorest predictive power for professional success. By using valid tools, the success rate of these decisions can be increased to up to 75 percent. Furthermore, these tools can be used to identify previously undiscovered potential within the organization and facilitate targeted employee development.

A key concept in sound human resources management is the KAI approach, which consists of a competency model, a requirement analysis, and validated instruments. More information can be found in our publication Competency Models and Potential Analyses as Keys to Competitiveness. Suitable instruments reliably measure job-relevant factors and criteria that have been defined in the job profile. Below, we introduce one such validated instrument.
The Hogan Assessment is a proven tool that provides precise insights into the personality of employees and candidates. It considers three facets of personality: potential, risks, and personal values in the professional context.
The instrument is based on decades of research and refers, among other things, to the Five-Factor Model (FFM), which is considered a reference model in personality psychology. A unique feature of the Hogan Personality Assessments is that they take into account external perceptions, i.e., the reputation of a person. The evaluation also considers not only strengths but also potential risks, such as stress-related behaviors that could impair performance. This makes the tool more than just a typology – it allows for accurate predictions of performance in the professional context.
The assessment is primarily used in personnel selection and development. It helps companies identify suitable candidates for specific positions, who not only meet the technical requirements but also possess the necessary personality traits and fit with the company culture. It is also a valuable tool for leadership development, as it reveals strengths and development areas of employees, allowing for early identification and promotion of potential within the organization.
Personnel decisions are among the most important tasks in companies, yet all too often they are based on gut feeling – the method with the poorest predictive power for professional success. The higher the position, and thus the greater the financial impact of poor hires, the less likely HR professionals are to use valid selection methods. Companies should accurately capture the requirements needed for the successful execution of a role and then measure them using reliable tools. The Hogan Personality Assessment is applicable throughout the entire employee lifecycle: from recruitment and onboarding to employee development, succession planning, and outplacement.
As certified consultants at Apenberg & Partner, we are qualified to conduct Hogan Assessments and support companies in identifying and developing the right talent. With our expertise, we help you recognize potential and make targeted investments in your future.