Construct validity of competency dimensions in a leadership assessment and development centre

Abstract

The issue of construct validity has become a contentious issue in the study of assessment centres around the world. The purpose of the study was to investigate the construct validity of assessment centre dimension ratings through correlation and factor analysis. The sample consisted of 138 individuals who participated in a two-day assessment centre for selection as partners/directors in an auditing firm. Twenty-one dimensions were measured using six different exercises. Both correlation and factor analysis results showed no evidence of discriminant validity amongst dimensions measured in the simulation and interview exercises. Convergent validity among some dimensions was found only in one of the simulation exercises. Implications for assessment centre design and research have been discussed.

Spiritual attitudes and visitor motivations at the Beltane Fire Festival, Edinburgh

“…, Mohamad, Lo, Songan and Yeo (2012) andPerera and Vlosky (2013) in tourism;Evans et al, (2002) in psychotherapy; Gau (2011) in criminology;Astin et al, (2011) andJordan (2001) in ethics, education and spirituality;Damitz, Manzey, Kleinman and Severin (2003) andNako and Barnard (2012) in management assessment, leadership and HRM; andReimers et al, (2012) in public health. Typically, items are entered into a PCA with no information provided on the agglomerations of items into constructs.…”