Intelligence as a Powerful Catalyst of Job Performance: Evidence from Highly Educated Workers
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This investigation tested the hypothesis that psychometric intelligence, as measured by IQ tests, is relevant for job performance in Brazil, particularly for more skilled occupations. Thus, a hypothetical-deductive, cross- sectional study was conducted among 134 Brazilian adult workers with a higher education degree or higher, using brief measures of IQ, personality, and leadership traits, as well as a sociodemographic and work-life questionnaire. Statistical analyses using the Canonic Test, Spearman’s Correlation, and Logit Regression indicated that intelligence was positively correlated with self-rated job performance (rho = .17), with individuals scoring 111+ showing a substantially higher likelihood of above-par performance in more qualified positions (71.7% vs. 41.7%). At this higher level of intelligence, duration of employment also showed stronger associations with job position (rho = .40 vs. .08) and income (rho = .53 vs. .40). After controlling for personality, workload, and quality of working life, IQ remained the strongest independent predictor of above-par performance (OR = 8.774). Overall, the findings suggest that, among workers with higher education, intelligence constitutes a highly significant and independent component of workplace performance and occupational success.
Source: Acta Colombiana de Psicología
Institution: Universidade Federal de Pernambuco
Language: English
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7225831527