But there are other ways to categorize workers to get a better understanding of their contribution to a company. Professor Michael J. Kirton, in his research at the Hatfield Polytechnic Institute in St. Albans, England, studied the work styles of more than 500 employees. He correlated each worker’s style with his or her value in the firm, then classified each of them on the basis of how they tackled job problems and how they felt about work. For the most part, two groups emerged: adapters and innovators. Adapters are the steady performers who carry out daily tasks without fuss. Innovators are those who desire and need change. Indeed, both types complement each other and are vital to company growth.
Reflect on your present or past work situations. You probably haven’t thought much about whether you are an adapter or an innovator. Here’s a chance to find out where you stand.
In the following quiz, which is based on Professor Kirton’s findings, answer each item as it best describes you.
