TASK 2

CAREER GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING

"TRAIT AND TYPE THEORY "

Lecturer

Prof. Dr. Afdal, SPd, M.Pd., Kons.

By

Mujadid Nazifah G. A ( 22006159)

DEPARTMENT OF GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING

FACULTY OF SCIENCE EDUCATION
UNIVRSITAS NEGERI PADANG
2023
MIND MAPPING
 TRAIT AND TYPE THEORY

A. The concept of trait and type theory

Trait and factor theory was developed by several career development experts
such as Frank Parson, EG Williamson, DG Patterson, JG Darley, and Miller who are
members of the "Minnesota group, a well-known pioneer in the development of this
type of counseling, namely EG Williamson (Munandir, in Boharudin, 2011) . The
term "traits" refers to individual characteristics that can be measured through testing,
"factors" refer to the characteristics necessary for the success of a job performance.
So according to Sharf, 1992 (in Boharudin, 2011) the terms "traits and factors" refer
to the assessment of individual characteristics and work. Fundamental to trait and
factor counseling is the assumption that the individual seeks to use his or her own
understanding and knowledge of his or her abilities as a basis for developing his or
her potential.
Theorists emphasize the importance of the match between a person's personal
characteristics and job requirements, the better the match, the greater the opportunity
for that person to achieve productivity and gain satisfaction. For employment
decision making, Parsons put forward 3 things in succession, namely personal, job,
and suitability (personal to job).
In its development, trait and factor theory underwent adjustments from its
original formulation, namely that position was a matter of matching personal
characteristics with job requirements. Apart from that, values are also considered as
factors or sources of behavior. This value commitment is identified using personality
tests or psychological tests. In essence, trait and factor theories emphasize the
importance of the match between a person's personal characteristics and job
requirements. The better the match, the greater the person's chances of work
productivity and the possibility that he or she will gain satisfaction (Suryanah, 2002).
B. Characteristics of trait and type theories
1. Each individual has a unique pattern of traits that can be measured accurately.
Trait and factor theory assumes that each individual has his or her own
unique combination of traits and personal characteristics. These traits may be
precisely measured or assessed using psychological assessment tools such as
personality tests, interest inventories, or interviews. Measuring these
individual traits is important to help individuals understand themselves and
how their characteristics can contribute to appropriate career choices
(Chartrand, 1991).
2. Each job or occupation has unique characteristic requirements that are
measurable, measurements are carried out to find out how the job can be
carried out successfully in various settings.
3. Individual characteristics can be tailored to the nature of job requirements or
fit.
The concept of “matching” is one of the main principles in trait and
factor theory. This refers to efforts to match individual traits with job
requirements. Through an in-depth understanding of individual traits and job
requirements, individuals can seek employment that best suits their
characteristics. For example, someone who has a creative and communicative
nature may be suited to a career in advertising or the visual arts.
C. Strengths and weaknesses
1. Trait strengths and types
a. Trait and nature theories apply a scientific approach to counseling.
b. Emphasis on the use of objective test data, leading to improvements in
development and user testing as well as improvements in environmental
data collections
c. The emphasis placed on diagnosis contains a name as attention to the
problem and its source leads to efforts to create techniques to overcome it.
2. Weaknesses of nature and type
 a. Lack of attention is given to the role of the immediate family, which
influences the child's series of choices by expressing hopes, dreams
and considering advantages and disadvantages when referring to
family traditions, the demands of considering the family economy, as
well as concrete limitations in financial capabilities, and so on.
b. It does not take into account changes in society, which expand or limit
the number of choices available to a person.
c. What is less aware is that the constellation of qualifications required to
achieve success in a field of work or study program may change in the
future.
D. Application in guidance and counseling services
Trait and factor theory in the context of guidance and counseling services:
1. Individuals have characteristics related to occupational choices that can
be measured, so counselors can help them understand themselves, their
interests, talents, values and transferable skills.
2. Jobs can be described by assignment, so counselors help clients learn
about them so they can differentiate and describe the jobs.
3. Learning how to gather, understand, and apply information about oneself
and the world of work is an important and fundamental skill for making
decisions, so counselors must help individuals learn these skills.
 REFERENCES

Boharudin. (2011). Inovasi Bimbingan Dan Konseling. Pekanbaru: UIN Suska Riau.

Chartrand, J. M. (1991). The Evolution of Trait and Factor Career Counseling: A

Person Environment Fit Approach. Journal of Counseling & Development,
69(6), 518–524.
Irman, & Hadiarni. (2009). Konseling Karir. Batusangkar: STAIN Batusangkar.

Suryanah. (2002). Keperawatan Anak untuk Siswa SPK. Jakarta: EGC.