Investigating how information shapes the intended use of personality inventories in personnel selection: a pre-registered test of the theory of planned behavior’s causal pathways

Purpose Despite exhibiting predictive validity, reliability, and minimal group differences, personality inventories appear to be relatively rarely used in personnel selection. Drawing on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study investigated whether receiving information about personality inventories influences intentions to use these assessments in personnel selection. Design/methodology/approach Participants read a fictional hiring scenario and were presented information relating to outcomes (i.e. the consequences of using personality inventories; n = 421) and norms (i.e. the attitudes and personality inventory use of important others; n = 416) in favor of or against personality inventory usage. Participants then rated their opinions about using personality inventories and usage intentions. Findings Participants who received positive outcome- and norm-related information about personality inventories reported stronger use intentions. However, we could not replicate the predicted causal mechanisms proposed in the TPB. Originality/value Although this study did not replicate the causal mechanisms proposed in the TPB, the findings highlight how information framing impacts usage intentions. These insights can inform interventions aimed at increasing the adoption of personality inventories in personnel selection.