Master the HSBC Apta Values Test (2026)

Recommended Answer:

The statements in this question relate to three different aspects of the Competency Framework:

• I love debating academic theories – Creativity and Change
• I adopt a future emphasis – Structure
• I am discreet about my accomplishments – Dynamism

The best answer to this question (as often happens on the actual Values Assessment) varies depending on the position you are after.

Let's go over them one by one.

I love debating academic theories

The ability to conceptualise and debate abstract ideas is related to the Formulating Concepts and Strategies dimension of the Creativity and Change factor. This competency is important for any employee in a complex industry as the financial industry, but it is especially crucial for managers and team leads.

For team members, however, this ability is second in importance to tackling practical and functional problems.

Therefore, our recommendation in this statement is:

• Management position – Most (first choice)
• Team member position – Neutral (second choice)

I adopt a future emphasis

Future emphasis is a part of the Structure factor, and its Planning and Organising dimension. This involves clearly understanding the potential challenges, particularly the implications of upcoming developments for various aspects of the business.

As a manager, this competency is second in importance to the ability to formulate and discuss abstract ideas, which are required for large-scale decisions. For team members, however, this competency is more important.

Therefore, our recommendation in this statement is:

• Management position – Neutral (second choice)
• Team member position – Most (first choice)

I am discreet about my accomplishments

This statement relates to the Achieving Goals and Objectives dimension in the Dynamism factor. While it indicates modesty and hard-working nature, considered an advantage in personal relationships, it may not be considered necessarily good in the HSBC Values Assessment, for two main reasons:

1. In order to progress in any company, it can be positive for achievements to be visible.
2. Remember that marking this statement means that you DO NOT mark one of the two other statements. Of these three statements, this one is least relevant for a working environment.

Therefore, our recommendation in this statement is:

• Both managers and team members – Least (do not choose)

Recommended Answer:

The statements in this question relate to three different aspects of the Competency Framework:

• I enjoy managing a team – Influence
• I anticipate positive outcomes – Emotion
• I like assisting individuals – Empathy

As in sample question #1, the answer here also depends on your desired position.

I enjoy managing a team

Enjoying the opportunity to motivate and engage your teams and colleagues is demonstrating the Influence dimension in a positive way.

This is a highly important trait for managers to have, and for them, the most crucial out of the three given options. For team members, however, it is undesirable to aspire to be a leader right from the start, rather emphasize your ability to work in a team and follow instructions.

Therefore, our recommendation in this statement is:

• Management position – Most (first choice)
• Team member position – Least (not to choose)

I anticipate positive outcomes

This statement relates to an optimistic approach, which is a part of the Emotion factor.

Since they believe in themselves and their abilities, as well as the abilities of others they work with, positive thinkers feel confident that they can conquer whatever obstacles they encounter and forge the desired outcomes.

For team members, there may be no more important quality for contemporary businesses aiming to thrive in a challenging ever-changing corporate landscape.

For managers, however, this trait is second in importance to the main aspect of their work – managing employees.

Therefore, our recommendation in this statement is:

• Management position – Neutral (second choice)
• Team member position – Most (first choice)

I like assisting individuals

This statement is part of the Empathy factor, which is, generally speaking, one of the most important factors in the test.
However, you should always weigh it in comparison with the alternatives.

It is difficult to select between this statement and “I anticipate positive outcomes”. And yet, it would seem that your ability to care and assist your team members or employees (as a manager) will come after your practical job responsibilities, which are more important for your job success as a whole.

Therefore, our recommendation in this question is:

• Management position – Least (do not choose)
• Team member position – Neutral (second choice)