By John W. Fleenor
Center for Creative Leadership
Summary
Examined the construct validity (CD) of dimension ratings from a developmental assessment center (AC), using multitrait-multimethod analysis and factor analysis. The relationships between AC ratings, job performance ratings, and personality measures were also examined for 102 public sector managers. Results indicate that the AC ratings failed to demonstrate CD. The ratings did not show the expected relationships with the job performance and personality measures. The factors underlying these ratings were the AC exercises, rather than the managerial dimensions. Potentially, this lack of CD of the dimension ratings is a serious problem for a developmental AC. There is little evidence that the managerial weaknesses identified by the AC are the dimensions that actually need to be improved on the job. Methods are discussed for improving the CD of AC ratings (e.g., by decreasing the cognitive demands on the assessors).
Citation
Fleenor, J. W. (1996). Constructs and developmental assessment centers: Further troubling empirical findings. Journal of Business and Psychology, 10(3), 319-335. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02249606
