The Impact of DISC in Construction Dialogue

Author(s) Information

Michelle W. Li, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow

College - Author 1

College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Department - Author 1

Construction Management Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Construction Management

Date

4-2024

Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Stacy Kolegraff, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department

Abstract/Summary

Personality tests look to categorize individuals based on their values, identity, psychological traits, and/or perspectives. The DISC (dominance, influential, steady, complaint) assessment is one of the major personality tests. Multiple industries like healthcare and sales have utilized DISC to foster better overall communication from work relations and positive success. Construction management (CM) is a similar industry with heavy emphasis on influence and focus. Utilizing DISC in the construction industry can achieve similar effects to the healthcare and sales industry. To analyze the potential effectiveness of DISC in the construction industry, a survey was distributed to one class of CM majors roleplaying three scenarios common in the industry. This survey will be taken before the two-hour class discussion about DISC along with the actual DISC personality test. The survey would be revisited after and re-answered now with the new knowledge of the DISC discussion along with a three-question reflection analyzing their perceived effectiveness and helpfulness of the DISC personality. Overall, most of the survey group perceived DISC as a helpful tool in navigating CM scenarios and would be a potential tool used in the future. The adoption of DISC in construction can foster better work environments, working relationships, and effective leadership.

URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/773