A Review of Recent Assessment Centre Research

Abstract

The complexity of the assessment process and variations in the assessment process across organisations are such that many unanswered questions remain. Although review of recent assessment centre research highlights the fact that there is now stronger evidence that centres are effective for women as well as for men; that there is empirical support for the developmental value of serving as an assessor; and that there is more insight into conditions under which coaching may affect performance, over 70 issues in need of further investigation have been identified. These range from assessor selection and certification, to the use of different types of exercises, matching job and exercise complexity, and effect of feedback on subsequent performance. While acknowledging the success of the assessment centre approach, researchers and practitioners should adopt a spirit of active enquiry into understanding and improving the assessment process.

Citation

Sackett, P.R. and Ryan, A.M. (1985), "A Review of Recent Assessment Centre Research", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 4 No. 4, pp. 13-27. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb051589