Thank you for visiting


  1. You are using a text based browser




Wednesday 3.29.2017

National Application Center :: self assessment


Holland's Six Personality Types

According to John Holland's theory, most people are one of six personality types: realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and conventional. The characteristics of each of these are described below:







Holland's theory can be summarized in six statements:

  1. In modern society, most persons are one of six personality types: realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and conventional.
  2. People of equal personality have a tendency to flock together. For example, creative people tend to make friends with and work well with other creative people.
  3. When people of equal personality type work together, they form an environment that supports their type. For example, when creative persons are together on a job, they cultivate a work environment where creative thinking and behavior are rewarded.
  4. There are six basic types of work environments: realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and conventional.
  5. People who prefer a working environment supportive of their personality type are more likely to be successful and pleased with their jobs. For example, creative persons are more likely to thrive and be fulfilled if they select a job in a creative environment, like choosing to be an art instructor at an art school. A setting of this type would foster creative abilities and expression.
  6. The way you perform and feel about your work depends, to a large extent, on your workplace setting. If you work with people who have a personality type equal to yours, you will share similar interests, feel comfortable with them, and have skills in the same areas. This combination creates a fruitful and satisfying environment.
<< back