Does the APPQ Measure Drive and Motivation? Yes - Here’s How

When hiring or developing top-performing team members, especially for leadership or partner roles, understanding what fuels their success is crucial. Drive and motivation are two of the most sought-after traits in professional services, particularly in high-accountability roles. But how can you measure them objectively during the recruitment process?

The Accountests Personality Profile Questionnaire (APPQ) offers a data-driven way to do just that. It evaluates personality traits using the Big-5/OCEAN model and provides a clear window into the motivational drivers that predict performance and ambition.

Let’s explore how Drive and Motivation are measured within the APPQ, and how you can use this information to identify candidates who are not only capable but also driven to succeed.

Understanding Drive and Motivation in the APPQ

The APPQ uses the well-established Big-5/OCEAN model of personality to assess key workplace traits. Within this framework, Drive and Motivation show up most clearly in four traits—two from the Extraversion domain and two from Stress Tolerance:

1. Assertiveness (Extraversion Trait)

Candidates who score higher in Assertion:

• Tend to take initiative
• Are motivated to track progress and achieve outcomes
• Are action-oriented and comfortable navigating conflict

This trait reflects an internal push to get things done, often signaling a natural leader or self-starter.

2. Social Boldness (Extraversion Trait)

Higher scorers in Social Boldness:

• Thrive in social interactions, even in challenging or high-stakes situations
• Are confident among powerful or influential individuals
• Build motivation through external social energy

This trait reflects comfort in the spotlight and a drive to influence others.

3. Self-Confidence (Stress Tolerance Trait)

Individuals with high Self-Confidence:

• Expect success and pursue it confidently
• Dive into new challenges without hesitation
• Are not easily derailed by setbacks or ambiguity

This self-belief fuels intrinsic motivation and an expectation of achievement.

4. Calmness (Stress Tolerance Trait)

Interestingly, Drive and Motivation are most closely aligned with middle to slightly lower scores in Calmness:

• These individuals are restless with the status quo
• They often feel an inner urgency to improve outcomes or performance

Rather than being complacent, they’re pushed by a dissatisfaction that leads to productivity.

Ideal APPQ Profile for Partners and Leaders

In progressive accounting firms, Drive and Motivation are highly prized in partners and senior staff. The ideal profile for these roles typically includes:

• High scores in Assertion, Social Boldness, and Self-Confidence
• A slightly lower score in Calmness

This combination suggests someone who is confident, proactive, socially agile, and driven to keep improving.

But It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All

While higher scores in these traits often suggest strong Drive and Motivation, it's important to remember that every score—high, medium, or low—comes with both strengths and risks.

That’s why we recommend using the APPQ Hire & Onboard Report to guide follow-up interview questions. This report provides you with interview questions that draw out how candidates might respond in real-world scenarios—bridging the gap between personality insights and actual behavior.

Donna Roughan  |  With 22 years of expertise in accounting and business advisory, Donna has held pivotal roles, notably as a Director at PwC, and has executive experience in both finance and operations.

Accountests  |  Accountests deliver the world’s only online suite of annually updated and country-specific technical skills, ability and personality tests designed by and for accountants and bookkeepers.