iBelong
Account
Methodology

Four areas of work.
20 dimensions of alignment.

iBelong measures cultural fit the same way for every role: a shared language of 20 bipolar dimensions, grouped into four areas of work. The hiring manager defines what the role needs. The candidate describes what they prefer. We compare them, point by point.

How it works

Three short steps produce a side-by-side picture of the role and the candidate on every dimension.

01

Define the role

The hiring manager answers a short questionnaire describing the cultural and work environment of the role on each of the 20 dimensions.

02

Invite the candidate

Candidates take the same assessment — describing their preferences across the same 20 dimensions.

03

Compare, dimension by dimension

We score alignment per dimension and per group, and explain in plain language what each gap means in practice.

Bipolar, not pass/fail

No dimension has a "good" or "bad" end. Each one is a spectrum between two legitimate ways of working. A role can sit anywhere on the line. A candidate can sit anywhere on the line. Fit is about how close the two sit on each dimension — not how "high" either of them scores.

That's why iBelong reports show two markers per dimension: one for the role, one for the candidate. The distance between them is what matters.

Example dimension
Communication Directness
DiplomaticDirect
Role profileCandidate preference

Here, the role leans slightly direct and the candidate leans more direct. Close alignment — minor stretch in practice.

The four areas of work

Every dimension belongs to one of these four groups. Each group is scored on its own, then rolled up into an overall alignment.

Working With People

5 dims

How you prefer to interact, influence, communicate, and relate to others at work.

Thinking & Problem Solving

5 dims

How you prefer to analyse, decide, structure work, and approach new problems.

Emotional Energy & Drive

5 dims

How you prefer to handle pressure, ambition, pace, and emotional posture at work.

Preferred Company Environment

5 dims

The kind of organisation, team, and culture where you tend to do your best work.

Working With People

Leadership & Influence
Shared ownershipTakes charge & persuades
Communication Directness
DiplomaticDirect
Social Engagement
Independent & quietConnected & visible
Decision Participation
Decides aloneConsults broadly
Independence of Opinion
Group consensusIndependent view

Thinking & Problem Solving

Data Orientation
Intuition-ledData-led
Innovation Style
Proven methodsOriginal ideas
Adaptability & Variety
Consistent rhythmVariety & change
Focus Granularity
Big-pictureDetail-focused
Structure & Follow-Through
Open-ended & flexibleDisciplined & rule-led

Emotional Energy & Drive

Calm Under Pressure
Feels the pressureStays calm
Sensitivity to Feedback
Affected by criticismSeparates self from feedback
Ambition & Competitive Drive
Steady ambitionHigh-growth & competitive
Decision Speed
ConsideredFast
Positive Outlook
Problem-awareOptimistic

Preferred Company Environment

Pace & Energy
Steady & thoughtfulFast & high-energy
Scale & Interdependence
Small & independentLarge & interdependent
Hierarchy vs. Horizontal
HorizontalHierarchical
Psychological Safety
Cautious cultureOpen culture
Human Warmth
Reserved & business-firstWarm & people-centred

How alignment is scored

Per dimension

The closer the candidate's position sits to the role's position on a dimension, the higher the alignment score for that dimension.

Per group

Dimension scores within each group are averaged to produce a single group alignment — People, Thinking, Drive, Environment.

Overall

The four group scores are combined into an overall alignment, with a plain-language label and an explanation of strongest and weakest areas.

iBelong provides cultural alignment insights, not a definitive hiring recommendation. Use results responsibly alongside skills, experience, and structured evaluation.

Ready to see it on a real role?

Set up your first position and invite candidates with one link.