INTJs and Australian Science

Ever wondered why Australian scientists are so devoid of creativity or entrepreneurship?

My hypothesis is that an INTJ culture in Australian science has evolved over a century or more.

INTJ referrs to the Myers Briggs personality type described thus:

“Often intellectual, INTJs enjoy logical reasoning and complex problem-solving. They approach life by analyzing the theory behind what they see, and are typically focused inward, on their own thoughtful study of the world around them. INTJs are drawn to logical systems and are much less comfortable with the unpredictable nature of other people and their emotions. They are typically independent and selective about their relationships, preferring to associate with people who they find intellectually stimulating.”

My hypothesis was somewhat confirmed today when I received an email from a former colleague informing me that, yes, I was right – CSIRO is an INTJ organization. Apparently someone ‘typed’ the place 20 years ago and the report is still lingering in the files.

INTJs don’t really like ENTPs (which is what the creative and entrepreneurial scientists are). They seem them as the enemy, as smart-arses, dickheads, loudmouths, attention seekers and the like.

So when a whole scientific culture gets dominated by INTJs what do you reckon happens to the ENTPs that happen to wander into research degrees?

They sense the mood and piss off to do other things of course. Hence further enhancing the INTJ culture in science in Australia.

INTJs don’t like insight, creativity, breakthroughs and the marketing that goes with these things. These are all characteristics of ENTPs – the enemy.

And there you have it. A very plausible and somewhat validated explanation as to why our scientists don’t win many Nobel prizes, hardly ever create start-ups, and exist in what is possibly the most boring profession in the land.