An Integrative Model of Competency Development, Training Design, Assessment Center, and Multi-Rater Assessment

Abstract

Although assessment center has been proven effective in predicting performance, the issue of establishing construct-related validity of assessment center is still unsolved, resulting in an unmet research challenge. Woehr and Arthur asserted that the lack of construct-related validity in assessment center literature is primarily due to issues of design and development. This article focuses on the design aspect of assessment center to develop an integrative competency-based assessment center model that links competency development, training design, assessment center, and multi-rater assessment together. Built around validity (particularly construct-related) issues of assessment center, the model guides scholarly practitioners on how to design a competency-based assessment center that has potential to improve construct-related validity and capability to build into training design and assessment and other human resource functions. Nine propositions related to validity were developed in accordance with the model to evoke future research. Practical implications are also provided.