ABSTRACT

This chapter summarizes the key findings arising from some of the recent international surveys that have been conducted into assessment centre (AC) practices. AC methodology entails using an assessment process of observing, recording, classifying and evaluating (ORCE) behaviour in accordance with well established principles, as defined by the International Task Force on Assessment Center Guidelines, of which the most recent version was published in 2009. However, this methodology can be used as the basis for running an AC or a development centre (DC), which gives rise to it being used for a number of different purposes. The most popular dimensions/competencies used to assess participants within an AC were Teamwork, Leadership and Planning and Organizing. AC design is influenced by many factors, the most significant of which are the purpose of the centre, the number of competencies and exercises that will be used as the basis of the assessment, the number of participants expected to attend, and the feedback process.