CONSTRUCTS AND DEVELOPMENTAL ASSESSMENT-CENTERS - FURTHER TROUBLING EMPIRICAL-FINDINGS

Research indicates that assessment center (AC) ratings typically demon strate poor construct validity; that is, they do not measure the inten ded dimensions of managerial performance (e.g., Sackett & Harris, 1988 ). The purpose of this study was to investigate the construct validity of dimension ratings from a developmental assessment center (N=102), using multitrait-multimethod analysis and factor analysis. The relatio nships between AC ratings, job performance ratings, and personality me asures also were investigated. Results indicate that the AC ratings fa iled to demonstrate construct validity. The ratings did not show the e xpected relationships with the job performance and personality measure s. Additionally, the factors underlying these ratings were found to be the AC exercises, rather than the managerial dimensions as expected. Potentially, this lack of construct validity of the dimension ratings is a serious problem for a developmental assessment center. There is l ittle 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 construct validity of AC ratings, for example, by decreasing the cognitive demands on the assessors.