CEOs: A handwriting analysis

Graphology is the science of handwriting analysis. Most approaches consider size, slant, and other features that remain constant over time. However, each person's handwriting has individualized strokes that are linked to personality traits. As many as 3,000 US firms use graphology in some form; Ford Motor Co., General Electric Co., and others are known to have used it in personnel selection. Some studies show graphology to be a reliable predictor of personality when compared to other psychological tests. In this research, 243 of the nation's leading chief executive officers (CEO) were studied, and 28 questionnaires were selected based on how much handwriting was available for analysis. Results showed that all CEOs were able to simplify tasks, nearly all could work well with numbers, and the majority exhibited creative traits. Executives had been asked to categorize themselves as Theory X (autocratic), Theory Y (participative), or Theory Z (consensus builder). The analyst correctly identified these personality traits.