Assessment Centers
Models for Measurement
We define assessment centers as any measurement done in order to determine the level of skill, knowledge, or ability against a defined set of criteria that individuals and/or groups possess. Most of our clients implement an assessment center process as part of a larger initiative such as a selection process, succession planning/high-potential development, sales development, or needs assessment for coaching, to name a few.
Questions clients ask us about assessment centers:
1. How does JDA support the client in building a business case for an assessment center?
Specifically, we can:
- Benchmark leaders in the same or similar industries to determine how they have linked assessment centers to the achievement of business strategy and goals.
- Research assessment center best practices through contacts with top leadership and human resource professionals in academia and other consulting firms.
- Draw upon JDA best practices and experiences with clients who use a full or modified assessment center process.
2. How does JDA go about selecting appropriate assessments?
Assessment needs can be fulfilled through:
- Written tests to determine knowledge, preferences, and/or ability;
- Simulations to determine use of skills and application of knowledge;
- Multi-rater assessments to determine fit and perception by stakeholders;
- On-the-job observation assessments for timely and accurate feedback;
- Polling of existing company measures (performance reviews, career and other interview data, etc.).
JDA uses the following process to select appropriate assessments:
- Determine the assessment need and purpose through structured interviews with the client.
- Either use existing success profiles, competency models, or job profiles or develop them in order to determine the areas to be assessed.
- Scan JDA database for best fit between area to be measured and available assessment tool and make a recommendation.
- Benchmark the assessment with client top performers and low performers to set baseline performance indicators.
- Either administer the assessments ourselves or work with the client to develop an administration plan internally.
3. How can JDA help grow stakeholder buy-in and support for the process?
Typically this happens by:
- Interviewing stakeholders within the client company for needs and expectations of an assessment center process.
- Creating an overall assessment center strategy document and presentation that is delivered to executives and other decision-makers in the process.
- Inviting and encouraging stakeholder participation in assessments and pilot groups.
- Developing and conducting training with stakeholders on the purpose, roles, support needed, and skills necessary to successfully implement the process.
4. What is the process JDA recommends for validating the results achieved through an assessment center process?
Once we have established the business goals of the process, we:
- Identify existing measures within the company that would be affected by implementation of the process.
- If no appropriate measures are in place that would indicate the success or failure of an assessment center process, we develop key indicators and the process to track them.