Behavioral Profiling

What is Profiling?

Profiling is an act or process of extrapolating information about a person based on known traits or tendencies. Specifically: the act of suspecting or targeting a person on the basis of observed characteristics or behavior.

What is Behavioral Profiling?

Behavioral profiling is by no means a new invention. The study of behavioral patterns and personality has been a rich field in psychology since at least the mid-1960s. The pioneering work done by the FBI in forming their profiling group was certainly groundbreaking and commendable.

Nowadays, with the help of artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analysis personality profiles can be extremely accurate. For example, the researchers have already found the link between facial features and sexual orientation or between walking patterns and personality. No to mention the companies that created an algorithm which helps to identify a terrorist only from facial features. Due to the enormous number of data left on the Internet our job as profilers become easier and more efficient.

In recent years, behavioral profiling has emerged in the online security world, but is it the right behavioral profiling? The answer is no. Real behavioral profiling is focused on identifying a potential criminal, while computer behavioral profiling systems are focused on identifying normal user patterns.

What is the Definition of Behavioral Profiling?

Behavioral profiling is simply about identifying and measuring the characteristics and preferences of individuals. The information can then be related to other variables within the organization and often used to detect changes in behaviour to verify user is who they say they are.

Behavioural profiling is an excellent method for examining and determining a person’s ‘default’ behavioural settings. It may significantly increase people’s self-awareness in the workplace if used effectively.

Simply said, behavioural profiling examines the subconscious behaviours that comprise our ‘preferences’. These are the ones we frequently turn to when we are under duress.

People may be ‘typed’ using proper profiling (also known as personality typing). This implies they can recognise themselves as well as where and how they vary from others. Personality type is an important part in increasing self-awareness, which is the cornerstone of effective influencing and leadership of others.

There are several sorts of profiling and personality markers. Some are explicitly concerned with a person’s preferences or defaults, while others are more concerned with a person’s internal drivers and passions.

What does Behavioral Profiling include?

At its most basic, behavioural profiling is just the identification and measurement of people’ features and preferences. The data may then be linked to other characteristics inside the organisation, such as job role alignment, team fit, and potential for advancement.

There are several products available, ranging from simple ‘personality’ tests to ones that measure over 150 characteristics and behaviours.

The testing portion of the procedure begins with the individual completing an online (or paper-based) evaluation in which they are often presented with a ranking of preference statements. There are several evaluation systems on the market, and the most successful are based on thousands of outcomes and supported by validation studies.

After the testing step is completed, an individual profile is created. The report will give an incredibly accurate indication of a person’s behavioural style and job preferences, which can then be analysed for a number of applications.

Selection and Recruitment

The qualities of a candidate’s profile will be compared to those that are both desired and proven markers of success in a certain job function. The profile may also be used to judge whether or not the job will be enjoyable for the individual.

Career Planning and Coaching

An evaluation can be connected to a template library to give an individual with a variety of job alternatives.

Cultural/Team Fit

If all team members participate in a behavioural evaluation, the knowledge gathered can assist to create a better working team. The organisation can use the team profiles to discover which people are more suited to leadership roles and/or identify possible areas of diversity or mismatch.

Planning for Success and Retention

Aids in the identification of an employee’s strengths, limitations, work and behavioural preferences, and what inspires them. This might be useful information for a company looking to select people for training and development possibilities. High performers can benefit from improved retention techniques, while low performers can benefit from improved management strategies.

Leadership Development

An assessment may be used to acquire insight into personal traits such as risk-taking, self-management, and communication abilities. The profile can also predict potential behavioural changes that will occur when the person is under pressure or stressed.

Behavioural reports are reasonably priced and can provide useful insight into a person’s job preferences and chances of success in a specific profession.

They are also useful in raising personal understanding of leadership characteristics and decision-making approaches.

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