Publication Type

Book Chapter

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

10-2008

Abstract

Assessment centers have always had a strong link with practice. This link is so strong that the theoretical basis of the workings of an assessment center is sometimes questioned. In this chapter, we posit that trait activation theory (Tett and Burnett 2003) might be fruitfully used to explain how job-relevant candidate behavior is elicited and rated in assessment centers. Trait activation theory is a recent theory that focuses on the person–situation interaction to explain behavior based on responses to trait-relevant cues found in situations. These observable responses serve as the basis for behavioral ratings on dimensions used in a variety of assessments such as performance appraisal, interviews, but also assessment centers.

Discipline

Human Resources Management | Organizational Behavior and Theory

Research Areas

Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources

Publication

Oxford Handbook of Personnel Psychology

Editor

CARTWRIGHT, Susan; COOPER, Cary L.

First Page

233

Last Page

245

ISBN

9780199655816

Identifier

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199234738.003.0010

Publisher

Oxford University Press

City or Country

England, UK

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199234738.003.0010

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