The following are typical reasons to consider using Assessment or Development Centres:
• Comprehensive evaluation • Valid; better predictor • Less adverse impact • Training effect for raters • Training effect for candidates • Multiple uses • More information for decision-making • Participants like it (despite nerves)!
However, keep in mind the following disadvantages of assessment and development centres:
• Expensive • Time-consuming • Multiple rooms required • Many assessors/observers required • Training requirement for assessors/observers • Exercise design and validation takes time and competence and is costly • Update required when job changes • Feedback must be handled well otherwise may result in motivation issues in development centres • Process must be seen as fair in order to avoid image problems for the organisation
