Accuracy or consequential validity: which is the better standard for job analysis data?

The value of research on the accuracy of job analysis is questioned. It is argued that the traditional criteria employed to evaluate job analysis accu racy (i.e., interrater agreement and deviations from proxy true scores) pro vide information of little practical value. Alternative criteria focusing o n the consequences of job analysis data are suggested. Consequence-oriented criteria are clarified through a review of the various inferential leaps o r decision points that job analysis supports. In addition, the consequences of job analysis are also thought to be a function of the rules governing t he making of job-analysis-based inferences which, unfortunately, are someti mes unspecified in even the most molecular job analysis methodologies. Copy right (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.