Disc Survey Comparison – Page 1
DISC Survey comparison
The DISC Survey is a personal styles survey that focuses on the ways in which people approach their
work and relate to others within their organizations. The survey is based on William Marston’s D.I.S.C.
framework and measures four basic styles of behavior. There are two popular versions of the DISC
survey currently available: HSI’s AMA DISC survey and the Classic DiSC 2800 series profile. This
paper highlights the differences between the two surveys.
Scales
AMA DISC
Classic DiSC 2800
Center for Applied Research- $16.00US
Each of the styles measured by the AMA DISC
survey has positive as well as possible negative
aspects. Thus, none of the styles measured are
inherently better or worse than the others. More
importantly, all of the styles can contribute to (or
potentially detract from) the effective functioning of
groups and organizations.
Inscape Publishing- $17.00US
Each of the styles measured by the Classic DiSC 2800
describes the productive aspects of each style, but
does not take into account possible
counterproductive/development areas of each.
Directing
The Directing style prefers to take charge of a
situation, mapping out plans for others to implement.
Directors enjoy problems or tasks as challenges to
satisfy their need to take risks and make things
happen.
Dominance
Emphasis is on shaping the environment by
overcoming opposition to accomplish results.
Positive aspects of this style
+ Work with determination
+ Take initiative to get things organized
+ Provide strong leadership when it is needed
+ Proactively solve problems as they arise
Negative aspects of this style
- Are demanding of oneself and others
- Become impatient with inefficiencies and delays
- Show irritation wit inefficiencies and delays
- React negatively to poor performance
Influencing
An Influencing style prefers to rely on instincts and
feelings to make decisions. Easily enthused and
excited, the influencing style builds relationships and
achieves results through sharing and acting on insights
and dreams.
Positive aspects of this style
+ Communicate openly and freely
+ Share solutions with enthusiasm and optimism
+ Initiate contact and conversation with others
+ Communicate in a convincing way
Negative aspects of this style
- Expect people to listen and accept their ideas
- Lose interest in things once they become routine
Examines the following preferences:
• Individual’s tendencies
o Getting immediate results
• Desired environment
o Power and authority
• Needs others who
o Weigh pros and cons
• To be more effective this person needs
o To receive difficult assignments
Influence
Emphasis is on shaping the environment by
influencing or persuading others.
Examines the following preferences:
• Individual’s tendencies
o Contacting people
• Desired environment
o Popularity, social recognition
• Needs others who
o Concentrate on the task
• To be more effective this person needs
o To make objective decisions
Disc Survey Comparison – Page 2
- Spend time trying to persuade people
- Interrupt others without meaning to be impolite
Supportive
The Supportive style prefers an environment in which
risks, and the need for speed in actions and decisions
can be minimized. This allows the Supportive style
time to build personal ties and support.
Positive aspects of this style
+ Treat people with respect and kindness
+ Cooperate and help make the team work
+ Relate to others in a friendly, dependable manner
+ Provide others with support and encouragement
Negative aspects of this style
- Place others’ needs over one’s own desires
- Avoid and smooth over conflicts
- Over-commit to please others
- Tend to “step aside” and let others get their way
Contemplative
The Contemplative style prefers to remain
independent and non-aggressive, and is most
comfortable in an environment in which uncertainty
or risk is minimized, and sufficient information is
available to support the proposal.
Positive aspects of this style
+ Carry out tasks with care and thoroughness
+ Seek out tasks with care and thoroughness
+ Display self-control and conscientiousness
+ Take time to observe the situation
Negative aspects of this style
- Are critical of one’s own performance
- Strive for precision-even when it’s not noticed
- Check and double-check for accuracy
- Interact in a reserved, task-oriented manner
Steadiness
Emphasis is on cooperating with others within
existing circumstances to carry out the task.
Examines the following preferences:
• Individual’s tendencies
o Performing in a consistent,
predictable manner
• Desired environment
o Maintenance of the status quo
unless given reasons for change
• Needs others who
o React quickly
• To be more effective this person needs
o To be conditioned prior to change
Conscientiousness
Emphasis is on working conscientiously within
existing circumstances to ensure quality and accuracy.
Examines the following preferences:
• Individual’s tendencies
o Adhering to key directives and
standards
• Desired environment
o Clearly defined performance
expectations
• Needs others who
o Delegate important tasks
• To be more effective this person needs
o To have time to plan carefully
Disc Survey Comparison – Page 3
AMA DISC
Item Types
Classic DiSC 2800
Consists of 80 items based on a 5 point Likert-type
scale.
Consists of 28 items based on a forced-choice format.
Instructions: Participant records the response to each
item. Once this is completed the participant self
scores the inventory from a non-carbon scoring
procedure.
Instructions: There are four words to choose from for
each item, the participant scratches off a box for both
the most and least descriptive words for each group.
Choose one MOST and one LEAST in each of the 28
groups of words.
Example: Takes initiative to get things organized.
Fill in the box with the appropriate response ‫ڤ‬
Example-
The response range includes:
• 1. not at all
• 2. to a small extent
• 3. to a moderate extent
• 4. to a great extent
• 5. to a very great extent
AMA DISC
Enthusiastic
Daring
Diplomatic
Satisfied
Most
‫ڤ‬
‫ڤ‬
‫ڤ‬
‫ڤ‬
Least
‫ڤ‬
‫ڤ‬
‫ڤ‬
‫ڤ‬
Norms
Classic DiSC 2800
Each profile has been statistically adjusted (or
“normed”) to correct for the differences in a way
people respond to different scales. This allows users
to convert their unadjusted (or “raw”) total scores into
percentile scores and provides a more realistic picture.
The respondents who provided data for the
development of the DISC survey norms were
participants in various seminars and training programs
offered by the AMA. The sample of approximately
2150 respondents consisted of 60% males and 40%
females. In terms of organizational roles,
approximately 25% held non-managerial roles, 29%
were team leaders or supervisors 32% were entrylevel or middle managers, and 14% were higher-level
managers.
The Classic DiSC can not be normed to correct for the
differences in the way people respond to different
scales. This is based on the structure of the scales,
i.e., Forced-choice/Ipsative response format. The
forced-choice format is used to minimize possible bias
introduced by the effects of social desirability and
response style.
Disc Survey Comparison – Page 4
AMA DISC
Development Materials
Classic DiSC 2800
The AMA DISC includes a 47 page Debriefing guide
that helps one:
• Understand the DISC Styles
• Construct your DISC profile
• Interpreting your DISC Style(s)
• Uncover the causes and effects of the
Style(s)
• Develop the productive aspects of the
Style(s)
• Reduce the counterproductive aspects of the
style(s)
• Work with people with different styles
• Understand the Survey Norms and
Reliability
AMA DISC
The Classic DiSC provides a 19 page booklet that
helps one:
•
•
•
Understand general highlights of the styles
Find and interpret the classical profile pattern
Understand the details of several different
classical profile patterns
Intended Purpose
Classic DiSC 2800
The AMA DISC can be utilized as part of an
individual employee development program. The
DISC is designed to measure and provide feedback on
the ways that people approach their work and relate to
others within their organization. This program can
accomplish the following:
Understand one’s preference of personal style
and combination of styles.
Analyze the causes and effects of one’s style(s)
Identify strategies for modifying one’s style(s) to
enhance personal and interpersonal effectiveness.
The Classic DiSC can be utilized within a program
that assists individuals who may need additional
assistance in understanding one’s interests,
preferences and career planning.
Understand one’s preference of personal style and
combination of styles.
Prepared by:
Eric Klisz, M.A.
Organizational Development Specialist
Human Synergistics Int’l
etk@humansynergistics.com