An Evidence for Validity of Holland’s Theory of Personality Types in Turkish Culture

Abstract

In this research Holland's theory of personality types is tested in a Turkish sample, using Vocational Interest Inventory (VII) developed by Yılmaz (2011) on the basis of Holland's personality theory (1997). Research sample consisted of 2,241 working adults of a public organization in several different cities. As a result of the study, VII with 60 items in six scales is developed in accordance with Holland's personality types. Psychometric characteristics of the inventory proved that VII is a valid and reliable measuring tool. On a pictorial represantation with the use of the hexagonal model, inter-scale correlations were found almost matched as it is in Holland's personality theory. Even though some minor discrepancies with the theory were found in Social and Enterprising types, it might be concluded that Holland's theory is valid for the research sample.