Manufacturing applicants' perceptions of two selection devices were examined. In Study 1, applicants (n= 3,984) completed cognitive ability tests and a survey of reactions. In Study 2, a subset of applicants from Study 1 (n= 194) participated in an assessment center and completed the survey. Applicants reacted favorably to the procedures but viewed the assessment center as more face valid than the cognitive tests. Applicants who perceived the selection techniques more favorably were also more satisfied with the selection process, the job, and the organization. Although applicants' perceptions of the procedures were related to job acceptance intentions, applicants' liking of the job and organization explained the largest unique variance. In future studies, applicants' job acceptance intentions and attitudes toward the job and organization should be assessed before and after administration of selection devices; not controlling for prior impressions resulted in overestimation of the contribution of applicants' perceptions of selection procedures.

No abstract

We were asked by the editor of this journal about our reactions to the Ryan and Ford (2010) article. More specifically, she asked (a) to what degree “organizational psychologist” was part of our identities in our roles as the senior-most human resources executive in our respective organizations and (b) which of the scenarios described at the end of the Ryan and Ford article would most benefit organizations and the people who work in them (rather than examining which would be most beneficial to the profession itself).

We were asked by the editor of this journal about our reactions to the Ryan and Ford (2010) article. More specifically, she asked (a) to what degree “organizational psychologist” was part of our identities in our roles as the senior-most human resources executive in our respective organizations and (b) which of the scenarios described at the end of the Ryan and Ford article would most benefit organizations and the people who work in them (rather than examining which would be most beneficial to the profession itself).

No abstract