Assessment center

An assessment center is a tool or a service used in HUMAN RESOURCES management and designed to assist in career choice and development. In large organizations, assessment centers are part of a human resources department and are used to select new personnel, evaluate performance, and assist in internal promotion decisions. With the advent of INTERNET technology, many on-line self-assessment centers assist workers and students with career path decisions. One on-line service, careers-by design, offers four self-assessment tools. The most widely used tool, the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), is used to assist in career change decisions and assess personality type. Personality type assessment can be used to determine the “fit” between an individual and the team or organization they are considering. The Strong Interest Inventory (SII) is used to assist in career change decisions as well as college major and vocation choice decisions. As the title suggests, the SII measures peoples’ interests, which then can be used to predict success and enjoyment in various career options. The Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation- Behavior (FIRO-B) is used for team building, leadership style, and management development purposes. FIRO-B helps assess individual behavior in work environments. The 16 PF Questionnaire assesses 16 personality factors, which influence management style. The 16 PF Questionnaire is used in corporate selection and career development decisions. College placement offices and many job placement companies offer self-assessment tools along with résumé services, and interview preparation services.
See also PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL.