Ethical challenges in assessment centres in South Africa

Abstract

Orientation: Assessment Centres (ACs) are used globally for the selection and development of candidates. Limited empirical evidence exists of the ethical challenges encountered in the use of ACs, especially in South Africa (SA).Research purpose: Firstly, to explore possible ethical challenges related to ACs in SA from the vantage point of the practitioner and, secondly, to search for possible solutions to these.Motivation for the study: Decisions based on AC outcomes have profound implications for participants and organisations, and it is essential to understand potential ethical challenges to minimise these, specifically in the SA context, given its socio-political history, multiculturalism, diversity and pertinent legal considerations.Research design, approach and method: A qualitative, interpretative research design was chosen. Data were collected by means of a semi-structured survey that was completed by 96 AC practitioners who attended an AC conference. Content analysis and thematic interpretation were used to make sense of the data. The preliminary findings were assessed by a focus group of purposively selected subject-matter experts (n = 16) who provided informed insights, which were incorporated into the final findings. The focus group suggested ways in which specific ethical challenges may be addressed.Main findings: The findings revealed many ethical challenges that can be better understood within a broad framework encompassing 10 themes: Universal ethical values; multicultural global contexts; the regulatory-legal framework for ACs in SA; characteristics of the assessor; psychometric properties of the AC; characteristics of the participant; bias and prejudice; governance of the AC process; ethical culture of the employer organisation and the evasive nature of ethics as a concept.Practical and managerial implications: Considerable risk exists for the unethical use of ACs. An awareness of possible areas of risk may assist AC stakeholders in their search for ethical AC use.Contribution or value-add: The study may contribute to an evidence-based understanding of the ethical aspects of ACs. The recommendations may also benefit all AC stakeholders who wish to use ACs ethically.

Challenges in Assessment Centres: Lessons from Experience

“…These co-assessors must also go through a rigorous training session before joining the assessments. These sessions must also be used to reiterate the moral and ethical responsibility of the assessors towards the centre and participants in order to mitigate the risk of ethical challenges in ACs (Muleya et al, 2017). Training of assessors has been proved to improve the construct validity of ACs (Woehr & Arthur, 2003).…”

Black Twitter and Digital Counterpublics in South Africa

“…The other role played by Black Twitter in South Africa is building moral values. Studies have shown that the success or failure of societies, organizations, and businesses strongly depends on the caliber of their personnel (Muleya et al, 2017). Many manifestations of moral decay are facing the world: perverse sexual practices, gender-based violence, robbery, vandalism, theft, alcohol and drug abuse, bullying trends, abuse, teenage pregnancy, and disrespect for authority (Tinyani, 2018).…”

Addressing gender discrimination in cognitive assessment using the English Comprehension Test

“…The context of psychometric testing is crucial to understanding the existence of bias in testing, and thus, it is important to delve into the issues promoting this discrimination (Foxcroft, 2004;Foxcroft & Aston, 2006;Foxcroft et al, 2013;Muleya et al, 2017). Gender discrimination, particularly prejudice towards women, has persisted because of the dominant patriarchal influence in the global context.…”

“…The recognition of these injustices prompted the introduction of laws to prohibit discrimination and enforced fair testing practices for employment and educational purposes, such as the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998) and the Health Professions Act (Act 56 of 1974) of South Africa. Psychologists have thus made concerted efforts to limit bias in testing, and have adapted international tests for use in South Africa and created norms for the South African population as corrective procedures in testing (He & Van de Vijver, 2012;Laher & Cockcroft, 2013Malda, Van de Vijver, & Temane, 2010;Muleya et al, 2017;Van de Vijver & Tanzer, 2004). There have also been substantial efforts to address the gender, racial and language discrimination associated with psychometric testing, which include the comprehensive validation of testing instruments to limit all bias against any racial and gender group as far as possible (Foxcroft & Aston, 2006;He & Van de Vijver, 2012;Malda et al, 2010;Van de Vijver & Tanzer, 2004).…”