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ABSTRACT
Orientation: Research has shown that total rewards models structured according to individual preferences, positively
influence efforts to attract, retain and motivate key employees. Yet, this is seldom done. Structuring total rewards models
according to the preferences of employee segments is a viable alternative to accommodate individual preferences.
Research purpose: The primary aim of the study was to determine the relationship between personality types and reward
preferences. The secondary aim was to determine the reward preferences for different demographic groups.
Motivation for the study: An enhanced understanding of reward preferences for different employee segments will enable
employers to offer more competitive reward options to their employees. This may, in turn, have a positive impact on
retention.
Research design, approach and method: Two measuring instruments, the MBTI® Form GRV and the Rewards
Preferences Questionnaire, were distributed electronically to 5 000 potential respondents. The results from 589 sets of
questionnaires were used in the data analyses. Primary and secondary factor analyses were done on the items in the
Rewards Preferences Questionnaire.
Main findings/results: The study confirmed that individuals with certain personality types and personality preferences, have
different preferences for certain reward categories. There was a stronger relationship between reward preferences and
personality preferences than for reward preferences and personality types. Preferences for reward categories by different
demographic groups were confirmed. The significant difference in reward preferences between Black and White
respondents in particular was noteworthy, with Black respondents indicating significantly higher mean scores for all reward
categories than White respondents. Finally, a total rewards framework influenced by the most prominent preferences for
reward categories, was designed.
Practical/Managerial implications: This study confirms that there are significant differences in the reward preferences of
different segments. Management can more effectively structure reward models according to these preferences without
increasing overall costs.
Contribution/value-add: The existing body of knowledge on the reward preferences of people with different personality
types and personality preferences are enhanced. In addition, the study on the reward preferences of different demographic
groups within a South African context adds considerably to the existing body of literature. Based on research results, a total
rewards framework, on employee preferences, was designed. Furthermore, an increased understanding of the reward
categories that contribute towards .the attraction, retention and motivation of employees as well as preferences for certain
reward categories, have been obtained.
Key words: rewards management; total rewards model; motivation; retention; flexible reward practices.
The workplace is becoming very complex for employers to manage and the talent shortage
exacerbates the complexity. The apartheid policy in South Africa created racial segmentation in the
labour market, the effect of which can still be seen even now in racially and gender based skills
shortages. In addition, job reservation for white males and a comparatively lower level of skills training
for black employees left a legacy of significant pay differentials between different race and gender
groups, referred to as the apartheid wage gap (Horwitz, Browning, Jain & Steenkamp, 2002). As a
result of a labour shortage globally, skilled employees are in a position where they deliberately
choose who they want to work for and for how long (Herman & Gioia, 2000; Kaliprasad, 2006); they
are also no longer restricted by traditional borders (Berger & Berger, 2004).
Retention is critical for employers as it influences expenses on two levels, namely directly through
staff turnover expenses (for example recruitment costs, lost productivity, training and development
and lost opportunity costs) and indirectly through aspects such as engagement (Corporate Leadership
Council, 2004). There is a high correlation between retention, engaged employees and financial
sustainability of organisations (Bussin, 2008a; Bussin, 2008b; Deloitte, 2004; Schaufeli & Enzmann,
1998).
One way in which organisations can respond to employee demands is by understanding the reward
preferences of employees (Linkow, 2006). More specifically, there are many rewards other than pay
that should be considered by management (Grant Thornton, 2008; Murlis, 1996). While Armstrong
(2006) indicates that most employers do not have high levels of sensitivity towards the reward
preferences of their employees, employees themselves, especially those with key skills, are becoming
more demanding and require organisations to make exceptions on the basis of their individual
preferences (Herman & Gioia, 2000). Kaliprasad (2006) confirms that when management actively
listens to the preferences of employees, this results in higher levels of motivation and engagement.
There is a wide range of approaches to the development of total rewards models and frameworks.
Despite differing opinions around the nomenclature used in the reward categories, and the
categorisation thereof, the inherent meaning of the different categories is mostly similar. In addition,
typically organisations arrive at their own definition of total rewards and brand it accordingly (Keuch,
Chuang, May & Sheldrake, 2006; Milkovich & Newman, 1999). Based on an analysis of the literature
(Armstrong & Brown, 2006; Berger & Berger, 2004; Corporate Leadership Council, 2008; Crawford &
Giowa, 2008; Gross & Friedman, 2007; Herman & Gioia, 2000; Lawler, 2000; Milkovich & Newman,
1999; Towers Perrin, 2007 and Zingheim & Schuster, 2007) a total rewards framework with
underlying reward categories has been developed. This framework, depicted in Figure 1,
encompasses all the key reward categories identified in the literature.
The categories shown in Figure 1, as well as the underlying reward components that make up the
categories, play a critical role in the motivation and retention of employees (Hankin, 2005).
Prevailingly, salary is still considered a major determinant of work motivation and appropriate work
behaviours (Deci & Ryan, 2000; Kohn cited in Harvard Business Review, 2001; Henderson, 2003).
Yet, if an organisation focuses solely on remuneration, this may not be sufficient to sustain motivation
or to retain key employees (Bergmann & Scarpello, 2001). Organisations that incorporate financial
and non-financial rewards are more likely to compete successfully in the global employment market
(Gerhart & Rynes, 2003; Stein, 2007).
Flexible total rewards models may sound appealing to many employees, but the reality is that for most
organisations it is impossible to administer unique individualised reward requests due to the onerous
administrative burden. A way of overcoming this difficulty is to segment the workforce and to structure
reward models according to the preferences of different employee segments (Gross & Edelsten,
2006). Workforce segmentation stems from marketing methodologies where customers are
segmented in order to develop more effective marketing strategies. Examples of segmentation
include personality types, gender, age, family size, or educational level (Du Toit et al., 2007). Total
rewards models designed in accordance with the reward preferences of employee segments can
have maximum impact at no additional or even lower cost (Harris & Clements, 2007).
The Myers-Briggs Type® Indicator, one of the most widely used personality assessment instruments
used worldwide, has been designed in accordance with Jung‟s theory of personality types (CPP,
2008; DuBrin, 2005; Kroeger & Thuesen, 1998; Reinhold, 2008). A fourth dimension that was added
to the work started by Jung, is the orientation to the external world assessed through the constructs
Judging and Perceiving (Pearman & Albritton, 1997).
The eight personality preferences are clustered into four polar personality dimensions of Extraversion
(E) and Introversion (I), Sensing (S) and Intuition (N), Thinking (T) and Feeling (F) and Judging (J)
and Perceiving (P). Personality preferences are a popular way of interpreting behaviour and a
combination of the personality preferences make up a psychological typology (Myers, 1998). The
inherent different characteristics of the eight preferences, give rise to the uniqueness of personality
types when these preferences are combined into 16 different types. The 16 different types are
indicated in Table 1.
The relationship between pay and personality traits has been the subject of past research. Findings
showed that extraverts are more inclined to be motivated by money and introverts are more motivated
by fear of punishment; conscientious people prefer equity (fair differentiation) over equality in reward
systems (Furnham & Argyle, 1998). A positive relationship between certain personality traits
(extraversion, conscientiousness, aggression) and levels of earnings has also been confirmed as well
as a correlation between gender and earnings (Bartlett, Grant & Miller, 1990; Bowles, Gintis &
Osborne, 2001). The relationship between earnings levels and personality traits can partly be
explained through the market value of certain personality traits as not all personality traits are equally
productive or valued (Müller & Plug, 2005). Westerman, Beekun, Daly and Vanka (2009) found a
weak relationship between individual personality variables and pay package preferences. Gray (1973)
reported that extraverts have a higher preference for variable pay due to their higher risk tolerance,
and that they prefer open-plan office environments. Introverts, on the other hand, prefer quiet space
to work (Cable & Judge, 1993), More conscientious people have been found to have a greater need
for learning and development opportunities and attach more value to an environment that is
characterised by good social relationships (Stewart & Barrick, 2004). Vandenberghe, St-Onge and
Robineau (2008) contributed to previous studies by reporting that the prominence given to work
prestige or job level correlates with the Five Factor Model (FFM) personality traits “openness to new
experiences” and “extraversion”.
Some initial research has been done on the relationship between personality temperaments and
monetary spending patterns (Bayne, 2004; Kroeger & Thuesen, 1988). The relationship between
rewards and personalities has evoked interest among researchers for many years, yet limited
empirical findings have been reported to date (Gerhart & Rynes, 2003; Giancola, 2006a; Nyhus &
Pons, 2004). A total rewards framework does not necessarily influence performance but can be
associated with higher levels of engagement, productivity, retention, a stronger employee value
proposition and a positive influence on organisational performance (Frank et al., 2004; Gebauer,
2009). The influence is even more significant when the reward offering is designed in accordance with
employee preferences (Butler & Waldroop, 2004; Giancola, 2007; Sung & Todd, 2004; Werhane,
2008). There are, however, limited research on the relationship between personality types and reward
preferences which is surprising given the universal importance of money and the role that rewards
play in the attraction and retention of employees.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Given the limited available research on the relationship between personality types and reward
preferences, this study aimed to answer the following research questions:
What is the relationship between personality types and personality preferences (as defined by
the MBTI® instrument) and reward preferences?
What influence do selected demographical variables have on reward preferences?
The next section covers the design of the study. Thereafter, the results will be presented followed by
the discussion thereof.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research approach
The research design was quantitative and exploratory relational. The research variables were defined
as follows:
a) the independent variable was the employee‟s personality type as defined by the MBTI®
instrument; and
b) the dependent variables were the categories and components that formed part of the total
rewards model that were identified through the literature review, for example base salary,
incentives, medical aid and career opportunities.
Two questionnaires namely the MBTI® form GRV (GRV) and the Rewards Preferences Questionnaire
(RPQ) were distributed electronically to respectively assess the respondents‟ personality types and -
preferences and, reward preferences. Demographic data was collected as part of the reward
preferences questionnaire.
RESEARCH METHOD
Research participants
The measuring instruments were distributed electronically to 5,000 potential respondents extracted
from the client listing of 21st Century Business & Pay Solutions the member list of the South African
Reward Association, and Nedbank Group Ltd employees employed at its head office in Sandton,
Johannesburg. As far as could be established, all respondents had internet access. Although
convenience sampling was employed, the final sample was representative of a wide range of working
people from different age, race and gender groups and different job levels. A total of 894 completed
RPQs and 787 GRVs were captured on two separate servers. After the unique passwords from the
different sets were compared, a dataset of 589 combined responses was used for data analyses
purposes representing a response rate of 11.78% of the original targeted group of respondents.
The majority of respondents were women (59.6%) and white (74.5%). Most of the respondents
(49.2%) fell in the age group 18 – 38 years, reported being married or living together (69.8%) with
either no children (39.4%) or more than two children (36.3%). In addition, 40.4% of the respondents
obtained a degree or diploma and 39.4% reported to have a post-graduate qualification. A large
portion of the respondents (36.7%) were employed in specialist or professional positions and the
second largest grouping (25.3%) were employed in senior management positions. In terms of
completed years of service, 35.7% of the sample reported to have ten years or longer working
experience with their current employer.
Measuring instruments
Two measuring instruments were used namely the Rewards Preferences Questionnaire (RPQ)
(available from the authors on request) and the web-based MBTI® Form GRV (Global Research
Version) questionnaire. The RPQ was informed by the theoretical total rewards framework (Figure 1
with additional underlying reward components) and tested on two pilot groups before finalisation
thereof. A combination of nominal and ordinal, a seven-point Likert scale and a forced ranking scale
were used in the three sections of the questionnaire. The MBTI® Form GRV has recently been made
available by CPP, Inc and is a combination of the response items contained in Forms M and Q (CPP,
2008). Forms M and Q have been well researched and the psychometric properties thereof have
been well established. Internal consistency, reliability and validity have been confirmed (Taylor &
Yiannakis, 2007; Taylor & Yiannakis, 2009).
Research procedure
Responses to the two measuring instruments had to be captured and submitted in an electronic form.
Respondents were requested to use the same unique password on both questionnaires in order to
match their personality type with their reward preferences, whilst protecting anonymity. After the
unique passwords were matched on the two sets of questionnaires, the results of 589 GRV and RPQ
were used and the balance were discarded.
Statistical analysis
In order to reduce the dimensionality of the 46 items in the RPQ, factor analysed was used. The
Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measures of sampling adequacy (0.86) indicated that a factor analysis on the
data would be useful as it exceeded the recommended value of 0.6. Bartlett‟s Test of Sphericity
reached statistical significance (p < 0.05), supporting the factorability of the correlation matrix
pertaining to the items in the questionnaire. A first-order factor analysis was done on the 46 items
included in Section 2 of the Rewards Preferences Questionnaire. The principal axis factor extraction
method was used with a Varimax rotation and Kaiser normalisation. The data reduction technique
was applied by excluding items where the loadings on the initial and the extracted communalities
were <0.3 (Pallant, 2007).
RESULTS
The study had a dual aim. The first research question was aimed at .determining the relationship
between personality types and personality preferences (as defined by the MBTI® instrument) and
reward preferences. The second research question aimed to determine the influence that selected
demographical variables had on reward preferences.
Factor Analysis
Eight factors were extracted using the Kaiser criterion of eigenvalues >1. Eight factors, with
eigenvalues >1, explained 65.33% of the variances. The eigenvalues are indicated in Table 2.
Although the original eight factors would have been a closer resemblance to the reward categories
identified in the theoretical total rewards framework, the large number of cross-loadings on the items
and the small number of items loading on some of the first-order factors (for example factors 7 and 8),
necessitated a second-order factor analysis. The principal axis factoring method with an oblique
(correlated) rotation, namely Direct Oblimin, was used in the second-order factor analysis. From the
original eight factors identified, two factors were extracted for the final total rewards framework by
using the Kaiser criterion of eigenvalues > 1. These factors explained 60.6% of the variances in the
eight first-order factors (refer to Table 3).
Eigenvalues
Factor Total % of Variance Cumulative %
1 3.790 47.369 47.369
2 1.059 13.232 60.601
3 .785 9.816 70.417
4 .740 9.252 79.669
5 .650 8.119 87.788
6 .439 5.482 93.270
7 .364 4.552 97.823
8 .174 2.177 100.000
Two factors were extracted from the second-order factor analysis. These two factors were labelled
conducive working environment and remuneration and benefits. The two factors correlated highly
with each other (r = 0.652).
In order to determine the reliability or internal consistency of each of the second-order factors,
Cronbach Alpha‟s were subsequently calculated. The Cronbach Alpha was 0.878 on factor 1 and
0.862 on factor 2 which are both considered acceptable.
Descriptive statistics were calculated on the composite results for the two factors. The results are
reported in Table 5.
Skew
Reward Categories Mean Median SD Min Max Range ness Kurtosis
Factor 1:
Conducive
working
environment 5.4710 5.5333 .83329 2.53 7.00 4.47 -.409 -.212
Factor 2:
Remuneration
benefits 4.3681 4.4000 .98873 1.73 7.00 5.27 -.056 -.310
From Table 5 it can be seen that the reward category a conducive working environment had the
highest combined mean score, indicating the highest preference for the items that make up this
reward category compared to the remuneration and benefits category.
After the completion of the factor analysis, the reward components were accordingly clustered into the
new reward categories. Table 6 sets out the reward categories and components in the empirical total
rewards framework. The arrows indicate the interdepence of the financial and non-financial reward
categories and that the reward components are not finite and can be added to.
In order to investigate whether there are differences or similarities between the mean scores on each
of the reward categories in terms of the 13 personality types, a two-way between-groups analysis of
variance was conducted. Table 7 presents the result of the two-way ANOVA. Statistically significant
differences were found between personality types in respect of both reward categories.
Importance of:
A conducive working
environment Between groups 28.395 15 1.893 2.851 0.000*
To identify which personality types differed significantly from one another, the Scheffe post hoc test
was performed. A summary of the post hoc comparison test results is shown in Table 8.
Mean
Reward Wholy 4 letter Wholy 4 Difference (I-
Category* type (I) letter type (I) J) Sig.
ESTJ 0.708 0.000
INFP 0.860 0.000
INTP 0.794 0.000
ESFP
1 ISTJ 0.701 0.000
ISFJ 0.660 0.031
INTJ 0.728 0.032
ESFJ INFP 0.733 0.027
INTP 1.045 0.001
ESFJ ISTJ 0.783 0.013
INFJ 0.956 0.012
INTP 1.131 0.000
2 ENTP 0.853 0.029
ESFP
ISTJ 0.868 0.006
INFJ 1.042 0.006
*Reward Category 1: A conducive working environment
Reward Category 2: Remuneration and Benefits
Table 8 indicates that a number of statistically significant differences were present in the reward
preferences of different personality types. Post hoc comparisons indicated that in respect of the
reward category conducive working environment (reward category 1), the mean preference score for
personality type ESFP (M = 6.03, SD = 0.46) was significantly different for personality types ESTJ (M
= 5.33, SD = 0.76), INFP (M = 5.17, SD = 0.71), INTP (M = 5.24, SD = 0.78), ISTJ (M = 5.33, SD =
0.89), ISFJ (M = 5.38, SD = 0.80) and INTJ (M = 5.31, SD = 0.96). The mean preference score for
personality type ESFJ (M = 5.91, SD = 0.77) was significantly different from the mean preference
score for personality type INFP (M = 5.17, SD = 0.71).
In respect of reward category two, remuneration and benefits, the mean preference score for
personality type ESFJ (M = 4.98, SD = 0.90) was significantly different for personality type INTP (M =
3.93, SD = 0.88), ISTJ (M = 4.20, SD = 1.02) and INFJ (M = 4.02, SD = 0.51). In addition, the mean
preference score for personality type ESFP (M = 5.06, SD = 0.84) was significantly different from the
mean preference scores reported for personality types INTP (M = 3.93, SD = 0.88), ENTP (M = 4.21,
SD = 0.95), ISTJ (M = 4.20, SD = 1.02) and INFJ (M = 4.02, SD = 0.51).
Statistically significant mean differences were observed in respect of preferences for both reward
categories and some of the personality preferences. The personality preferences are indicated on
eight dimensions, namely sensing vs intuition, thinking vs feeling, extraversion vs introversion and
judging vs perceiving. Paired-samples t-tests were conducted to evaluate whether respondents with
different personality preferences have statistically significant different mean preferences for the
reward categories. The findings of the t-tests are indicated in Table 9.
There were statistically significant mean differences between respondents with a preference for
extraversion in respect of both reward categories. In both reward categories these respondents
indicated a higher composite mean score than the respondents with a preference for introversion.
Table 10: Statistically significant mean differences observed in terms of reward preferences
indicated by different demographic groups
Demographic groups
Reward Gender Race Age Educational Tenure Job level
catego- qualification
ries*
Respondents
with 0 - 2
years had a
higher
preference
Women
1 Black than those The more
indicated The older
respondents with 3 – 6 senior the
higher the respon-
indicated a years‟ job level,
preferen- dents, the
higher service for the lower
ce for lower the
preference reward the prefe-
both preference
for both category 1 rence for
reward for both
reward cate- both reward
cate- categories
gories The higher the categories
gories
qualifications
2 the lower the
preference for
reward
category 2
Note: Reward category 1: A conducive working environment
Reward category 2: Remuneration and benefits
DISCUSSION
The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether personality type and personality
preference predict reward preferences of different employee segments. A secondary aim was to
determine the influence of demographic factors on reward preferences.
Respondents with a preference for personality type ESFP reported the highest mean scores on both
reward categories, respondents with a preference for personality type ESFJ reported the second
highest mean score on both reward categories and respondents with a preference for personality type
ENFJ reported the third highest mean score for both reward categories. Personality types INFP and
INTP reported some of the lowest mean scores on both categories. The highest mean preference
scores were reported on both reward categories by individuals with a personality preference for
sensing (S) and for extraversion (E) and the lowest mean preference scores by individuals who
appear to have a preference for intuition (N) and introversion (I).
Personality types ESFP, ESFJ and ENFJ all have in common a high need for others, for harmony and
a preference for being in a position to help develop others. People with these preferences are
excellent team players and keen observers of human behaviour (Myers, 1998). The preference for
extraversion (E) indicates that they receive their energy from other people and enjoy being among
people, communicate through talking, are sociable and expressive and readily take the initiative
(Myers & Myers, 1995). The feeling (F) aspect in all three identified types is often described as being
accepting, trusting of emotions, fair-minded and seeking of consensus (Pearman & Albritton, 1997).
People with this personality preference are often seen as personal, being more interested in people
than in things. extraverted feeling (EF) types value harmonious human contact above all other
things, are conscientious, persevering and anxious to perform (Myers & Myers, 1995). The common
descriptors of these personality preferences are in support of the highest mean preference scores
observed for personality types ESFP, ESFJ and ENFJ in the reward category a conducive working
environment, compared to the other personality types.
More specifically, the personality type ESFP indicated the highest mean preference score for a
conducive working environment, which is indicative of people who enjoy satisfying careers, where
their natural warmth, attention to detail, emphasis on interpersonal values and adaptability are valued.
They are excited by continuous involvement in new activities and new relationships (Martin, 2005).
Included in this reward category is a good working relationship, monthly communication sessions,
performance management, goal-setting and regular feedback that would all be important
considerations for people with a preference for ESFP. However, too much structure can be stifling
and therefore the way in which performance is being managed should be discussed with these
individuals to ensure that they are managed in the most optimal and effective manner without leading
to levels of frustration (Myers et al., 1998). The survey result indicating that personality type ESFP
has the highest preference for a conducive working environment can therefore be substantiated by
the common descriptors available for this personality type.
On the other side of the dichotomy, people with a preference for personality type INTJ, INFP and
INTP indicated the lowest mean preference scores for reward category one, a conducive working
environment. One of the common personality preferences in these personality types, is introversion
(I). The preference for introversion (I) is described as the process whereby people charge their
batteries (away from others) and for the Introvert this is through a process of reflection. People with
this personality preference are therefore less likely to feel the need to externalise their thoughts until
they have to communicate with others (Pearman & Albritton, 1997). Employees with a tendency
towards introversion (I), are thus likely to be content working on their own. The personal interaction
that may be implicit in a conducive working environment (such as team work and quality interaction
with colleagues) may thus be of lesser importance to individuals with a preference for introversion (I)
(Myers & Myers, 1995).
A significant mean difference in the preference for a conducive working environment was observed
between the personality types ESFP (M = 6.03) and INFP (M = 5.17). The descriptors for the
preference INFP include that these people are best at individual work involving personal values (for
example art, social sciences, writing, psychology and counselling) (Myers et al., 1998). They have a
strong sense of duty and faithfulness, but no desire to influence other people (Myers & Myers, 1995).
Given the fact that a conducive working environment involves interaction with others through various
processes, it is understandable that employees with a preference for INFP will have a lesser
preference for this reward category to those with a preference for ESFP.
A significant mean preference difference was observed between personality types ESFJ (M = 5.91)
and INFP (M = 5.17) for reward category one being a conducive working environment. The
descriptors for the INFP personality type have already been discussed. The descriptors for personality
type ESFJ are very similar to those for ESFP (who indicated the highest mean preference score).
According to Myers, McCauley, Quenk and Hammer (1998), ESFJs often find themselves in careers
that are characterised by a great deal of communication, nurturance and people-orientated work.
They find themselves less often in positions where there is low contact with people. These
characteristics explain the relatively higher preference for this reward category.
It is important to note though, that the mean preference scores for the reward categories were high for
personality preferences extraversion (E) and introversion (I). This suggests that a conducive
working environment and remuneration and benefits, although not unimportant for those with a
preference for introversion (I), are of lesser importance for them than for those with a preference for
extraversion (E). The two personality types that indicated the highest and lowest mean preference
scores for the reward category remuneration and benefits are the same as for category one, namely
ESFJ and ESFP (highest) and INFP and INTP (lowest), respectively.
Statistically significant mean preference differences were observed in respect of respondents with a
personality preference for sensing (S) and intuition (N) in respect of the reward category
remuneration and benefits, where respondents with a personality preference for sensing (S) reported
the highest mean preference score. People with a preference for sensing (S) are primarily interested
in actualities, and people with a preference for intuition (N) are mainly interested in possibilities
(Myers & Myers, 1995). People with a preference for sensing (S) are furthermore described as being
sequential, factual and present, with a practical and realistic perspective (Martin, 2005). Sensing (S)
individuals prefer to concentrate on the details and have a preference for using sensory data through
the use of their senses (Myers & Myers, 1995). These are all factors that support with the higher
mean preference for remuneration and benefits, as they would prefer to reduce risk-taking and
receive guaranteed benefits and opportunities. They enjoy more tangible things and thus would need
to know what their remuneration and benefits in detail would entail. People with a sensing (S)
preference appear to be better planners and more structured in their thinking compared to people with
a preference for intuition (N) and would use the processes and products available under the
remuneration and benefit category to plan for their personal needs.
The lower mean preference score observed for respondents with a personality preference intuition
(N) fits well with the existing descriptors, namely to follow their own inspirations, their head-in-the-
clouds approach, being imaginative, unconventional, intellectual and having a general preference for
change and new ways of doing things (Pearman & Albritton, 1997). Intuitive (N) individuals require
more flexibility, have a preference for recognising relational, abstract data through intuition (CPP,
2008; Kroeger & Thuesen, 1988) and thus could have a reduced need for the specific details that
relate to guaranteed remuneration and benefit structures per se and thus could explain the relatively
lower mean preference score observed in respect to the reward categories.
Statistically significant mean preference differences were observed for respondents with a personality
preference for thinking (T) and feeling (F) in respect of both reward categories. According to
Pearman and Albritton (1997) people with a preference for thinking (T) are pulled towards an
analytical, cause-and-effect type of judgement and people with a preference for feeling (F) are pulled
towards a values-oriented, accommodating type of judgement. For both of the reward categories, the
respondents with a personality preference for feeling (F) reported significantly higher mean scores in
comparison to respondents with a personality preference for thinking (T). People with a personality
preference for feeling (F) are typically described as subjective, fair-minded and humane. They seek
harmony, appreciate people, have social values and are empathetic (Kroeger & Thuesen, 1988).
The effect that decisions have on people is an extremely important component of the final decision
reached and typically decisions taken are done with interpersonal involvement. This description
stands in contrast to people with a preference for thinking (T), who tend to be more objective, firm-
minded, policy-driven and detached, and who tend not to get involved personally when decisions are
made. Myers and Myers (1995) furthermore state that the TF preference is the only preference that
shows a marked difference between men and women, with the majority of women having a
preference for feeling (F). This is in alignment with the results obtained for the secondary research
questions which found that women had significantly higher mean scores on both reward categories
than men. The descriptors for people with a personality preference for feeling (F) aligns with the
higher mean preference for the reward category a conducive working environment, as it supports their
need to be accepted and be accepting, their acute awareness of the intricacies of networks, their urge
for consistency with personal values and their seeking of consensus (Pearman & Albritton, 1997).
The fact that statistically significant mean preference differences were observed for both reward
categories confirmed that, although respondents have different preferences for reward categories, all
preferences were relatively high. The importance of a combination of monetary and non-monetary
rewards in the total rewards offering cannot be underestimated, and the one reward category should
not be offered in isolation or substitution of the other. Rewards should be appropriately linked to
performance indicators that reflect an employee‟s input and competence. The extent to which
monetary rewards are offered in relation to other types of rewards should be designed in accordance
with employee preferences in order to increase their effectiveness.
It is possible that employees with a postgraduate qualification could already be earning at a level of
remuneration that they find satisfactory. They may also feel more secure in the knowledge that they
are earning a market-related salary due to their level of education. The earnings potential of people
with no post-matric formal qualification is also substantially less than for employees with post-matric
formal qualifications, and especially post-graduate qualifications. Respondents with a matric
qualification probably therefore earn less than their graduate counterparts, and this may explain the
trend for a higher preference for remuneration and benefits. In addition, the higher the qualification,
the greater the ability of an individual to influence his or her own salary (i.e. through negotiation or job-
hopping). In terms of Maslow‟s hierarchy (1943), a basic need (such as salary) can be expected to be
rated of higher importance than a conducive working environment, for those who are earning lower
salaries.
In terms of the reward category remuneration and benefits, significant mean differences were
observed in respect of most of the job levels. In all cases, the lower levels in the organisation, namely
administrative and junior management levels, indicated significantly higher preferences for this reward
category compared to senior and executive management. This trend mirrored what was observed in
respect of age groups and educational qualifications and are possibly all related to each other.
Overall the study confirmed that there are significant differences in reward preferences of employees.
Rewards should expand beyond monetary rewards to also include non-financial rewards and be
tailored to meet individual preferences. The findings of this research are expected to assist
particularly South African managers, human resources and rewards professionals in having a better
understanding of reward preferences of different employee segments. Differentiating in reward
offerings contribute to higher levels of attraction, retention, engagement and motivation that positively
influence organisational performance.
This study confirms that reward offerings should firstly be diverse and not only contain monetary
rewards and secondly, be tailored to meet individual preferences. Total rewards frameworks can also
be designed in accordance with the preferences of different employee segments. The challenge is
therefore to design pay practices that will support sound management practices and aid in the
achievement of business goals by motivating employees to perform at continuously high levels. The
key to attracting and retaining the best employees lies in an enriched, diversified total rewards
framework that is an essential building block in the employee value proposition.
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