The Relationship Between Assessment Centre Outcomes and Personality Traits: A Confirmation of Nomological Validity

Zsolt Péter Szabó; Evelin Simon; Máté Pinczés; Róbert Laczai; Ágota Kun

doi:10.3311/PPso.17455

Authors

Zsolt Péter Szabó

Affiliation

Department of Ergonomics and Psychology, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, H-1117 Budapest, P. O. B. 91, Hungary
Evelin Simon

Affiliation

Department of Organisational and Leadership Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, H-1075 Budapest, Kazinczy u. 23-27, Hungary
Máté Pinczés

Affiliation

At Work Consulting and Service Ltd., H-1093 Budapest, Lónyay u. 41, Hungary
Róbert Laczai

Affiliation

At Work Consulting and Service Ltd., H-1093 Budapest, Lónyay u. 41, Hungary
Ágota Kun

Affiliation

Department of Ergonomics and Psychology, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, H-1117 Budapest, P. O. B. 91, Hungary

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the nomological validity of the Assessment Centre (AC). More specifically, the authors investigated the relationship between theoretically related personality variables and AC ratings in a personnel selection procedure. Previous studies have reported contradictory findings regarding the nomological validity of the Assessment Centre. We identified shortcomings in the previous studies and demonstrated the nomological validity of the AC in a relatively large sample of line manager candidates (N = 314). Our results are in harmony with trait activation theory, and this confirms the nomological validity of Assessment Centres. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.