Selection versus development assessment centers: an international survey of design, execution, and evaluation

Abstract

No recent survey documents differences in assessment center (AC) practices for selection and development in organizations in diverse countries. We analyze the design, execution, and evaluation of AC selection programs compared to development programs in a sample of 144 organizations in 18 countries. Our comparison identifies similarities and differences in job analysis techniques, dimensions (job requirements), observer pools, methods of assessor training, exercises and psychometric testing procedures, information provided to participants, and areas of evaluation of the program by participants. Results show important differences between selection and developmental programs which may be explained by economical, legal, and social factors. We also point out features of ACs that should be designed differently to optimize objectives.

Keywords:

• assessment centre
• guidelines
• international
• personnel development
• personnel selection