Generalizable biographical data validity can be achieved without multi-organizational development and keying

This research showed that the validity of a biodata instrument developed an d keyed within a single organization can generalize to other organizations. It also examines a criterion measure-rate of promotional progress-that has not been used extensively in biodata research, but has several characteris tics that make its use attractive. The validity of the biodata component of the Manager Profile Record (MPR), developed and keyed within a single orga nization, as a predictor of rate of managerial progress was cross-validated on a sample of 7,334 managers and staff professionals in 24 organizations. Results indicate the MPR was a valid predictor of rate of promotional prog ress across all organizations and that validity did not vary greatly across organizations (rho = .53, SDrho = .05). The MPR was also a valid predictor for both sexes, as well as for managers of all age groups, lengths of comp any service, and education levels. These findings demonstrate that multiple -firm development and keying of a biodata instrument was not required for g enerarizable validity, and argue against the hypothesis of situational spec ificity. Suggestions for developing biodata instruments in single organizat ions that will generalize to other organizations include careful attention to the validity and reliability of criterion measures and developing validi ty at the item level.