A comparative analysis of the predictive strengths of an assessment center and a 360 degree evaluation process to forecast managerial performance in entry-level managers

This research of comparative methodologies for predicting future management performance of entry-level managers contributes to the growing inventory of published data on the topic. Building on the assessment center work of Gaugler et al and Spychalski et al, this empirical study documents the performance forecasting processes employed by an international consulting firm. Using established techniques from prior assessment center research, this study compares the predictive strengths of a 360-Degree Evaluation Process and an Assessment Center Evaluation Process to forecast future management performance of entry level managers. The results of this study link predictive strengths to skill set dimensions and demonstrates the implications of “no predictions” in one firm's assessment center process.