The intelligence analyst: Attributes, knowledge, skills and characteristics

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

The Journal of the Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers

Publisher

Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers

School

School of Science / ECU Security Research Institute

RAS ID

29773

Comments

Deering, T., & Corkill, J. (2017). The intelligence analyst: Attributes, knowledge, skills and characteristics. Journal of the Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers, 25(1), 25-39. https://www.aipio.asn.au/aipio-journal/

Abstract

Intelligence is a function embedded in the organisational structures of government agencies and departments at the federal, state and local level. The intelligence analyst plays an important role in supporting the operational and policy decision makers in those organisations. Notwithstanding that important role, there has been limited research into the attributes of good analysts. In the course of this research, we examined over 300 advertised intelligence analyst job descriptions and compared the attributes sought with those attributes described in the literature. Whilst some correlation was identified, the generic nature of the attributes sought suggests that it may be possible they have a negative influence on the quality of candidates applying for the roles. This research is significant in that it suggests that organisations and departments may need to rethink the construction of the analyst job description.

Access Rights

subscription content

Share

 
COinS