To repeat or not repeat? A matter of economic reward and individual differences

This study explores the tendency to prefer more repetitive (but highly economic rewarding) tasks over less repetitive (and less economic rewarding) tasks in a sample of junior professionals, as well as their relationship to individual differences. Behavioral performance at a novel decision-making task, decision-making and personality profiles were collected. Findings showed that most junior professionals seem to prefer highly repetitive tasks (with greater economic reward) than less boring and less rewarding tasks. However, a cluster approach allows distinguishing between four distinct clusters of decision-makers: the “reward seekers”, the “temporizers”, the “balancers” and the “outsiders”. Each cluster of professionals exhibits unique individual differences in terms of decision-making styles and personality profiles (except for reward responsiveness). Evaluating junior professionals decision-making profiles in choosing which tasks to carry out is extremely relevant in company selection processes, as it allows you to assign the new resource to the best job position.