Harrison Assessment Tests Traits and Competencies 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the Harrison Assessment paradox theory, which pair of traits must be balanced to avoid 'authoritative' behavior becoming a liability?
- Assertiveness and Warmth (Correct answer)
- Enthusiasm and Analytical Thinking
- Frankness and Diplomacy
- Persistence and Flexibility
Correct answer: Assertiveness and Warmth
Harrison's paradox theory holds that Assertiveness must be balanced with Warmth; without warmth, assertiveness becomes domineering or authoritative behavior.
Question 2: Which competency in the Harrison framework specifically addresses a person's ability to identify the root causes of problems rather than just symptoms?
- Critical Thinking
- Analyzes Problems (Correct answer)
- Systems Thinking
- Attention to Detail
Correct answer: Analyzes Problems
'Analyzes Problems' is the Harrison competency focused on diagnosing underlying causes, not just surface-level symptoms.
Question 3: A candidate scores very high on 'Optimism' but very low on 'Realistic Thinking' in a Harrison Assessment. Which outcome does the paradox theory predict?
- The candidate will be an exceptional motivator
- The candidate may be overly idealistic and misjudge risks (Correct answer)
- The candidate will excel in analytical roles
- The candidate will struggle with interpersonal communication
Correct answer: The candidate may be overly idealistic and misjudge risks
When Optimism is unbalanced by Realistic Thinking, the paradox theory predicts over-idealism and poor risk assessment.
Question 4: What does the Harrison Assessment's 'Enjoyment Performance' principle mean?
- Employees perform best when they enjoy financial rewards
- People perform best in tasks they genuinely enjoy doing (Correct answer)
- Performance reviews should focus on enjoyable metrics
- Enjoyment is a secondary factor behind skill in predicting success
Correct answer: People perform best in tasks they genuinely enjoy doing
The Enjoyment Performance principle states that sustained high performance comes from genuine enjoyment of work tasks, not just ability.
Question 5: In the Harrison model, 'Collaboration' as a competency is best measured by which underlying trait combination?
- Frankness and Confidence
- Openness and Wants to Help Others (Correct answer)
- Persistence and Detail Orientation
- Optimism and Assertiveness
Correct answer: Openness and Wants to Help Others
Collaboration in Harrison's framework is driven by Openness (to others' ideas) and a genuine desire to Help Others.
Question 6: Which Harrison Assessment trait is most directly associated with an individual's willingness to follow organizational rules and established procedures?
- Diplomacy
- Conformity (Correct answer)
- Accountability
- Reliability
Correct answer: Conformity
Conformity in the Harrison framework measures the degree to which a person values and adheres to established rules, policies, and procedures.
Question 7: When the Harrison Assessment shows a candidate is high in 'Frankness' but low in 'Diplomacy,' what paradox behavior is predicted?
- Passive avoidance of conflict
- Blunt communication that damages relationships (Correct answer)
- Overreliance on data before speaking
- Excessive deference to authority
Correct answer: Blunt communication that damages relationships
High Frankness without balancing Diplomacy predicts blunt, tactless communication that can harm working relationships.
In the Harrison Assessment paradox theory, which pair of traits must be balanced to avoid 'authoritative' behavior becoming a liability?