ABSTRACT
Assessment and development centers (ADCs) have become very popular methods of assessing the potential of managers to perform roles that they have not performed in the past. While AT&T started assessment and development centers about seven decades ago, they are being widely used today across the world for assessing competencies. ADCs use multiple methods and multiple observers or assessors who have not interacted with the individual in the past. This chapter introduces you to the concept of ADCs, the methodology used in conducting the same, and the uses of ADCs as tools for performance improvements. The main objective of this chapter is to help you understand the structure and operation of ADCs and the role of various people in ADCs. In the future, ADCs are likely to become good supplements for performance improvements.
