Abstract

This study validates the use of an Australian-designed but Bahasa Indonesian-translated thinking style inventory (Sofo, 2004). A sample of employees (n=183) from three Indonesian industries (manufacturing, retail and services) volunteered to participate in the research. The participants responded to a range of questions designed to explore their thinking, a key element of literacy learning. Results indicated that the translated version of the TSI is reliable and valid for assessing the thinking styles of the Indonesian participants (Cronbach α scores ranging from 0.78 to 0.86). Results supported the Theory of Reality Construction as a general theory of intellectual styles that applies to both academic and non-academic settings. This study discusses some insights of the thinking style preferences of employees in Indonesia and validates the contribution of thinking styles in organizational contexts.