>At 12:35 PM 10/9/97 -0700, you wrote:
> <snip snip>
>>
>>I don't want to diminish these tests completely. I think that they could be
>>put to good use .. for example, the ones that I've looked at can cause some
>>interesting soul searching ... most are based on models of human
>>interaction or models of the human psyche that could enhance
>>self-awareness. Suppose that instead of using these tests to screen, we
>>allowed employees to take them and to use them as food for thought ... to
>>try to ask themselves whether there is information contained in them that
>>could help them become better problem solvers, better interactors, better
>>leaders, etc. Of course, such a practice, would have to be disconnected
>>from job screening, promotion screening, performance appraisal. It would
>>truly have to be a tool for self awareness.
>>
>
>This is very much how we have used psych. tests with employees. As part of
>our contract with the employee and the employer, we agree to review the
>results of the assessment with the candidate/employee *prior* to any
>discussions/presentation to the employer. We emphasise that the purpose of
>the assessment is to detail strengths and the "kind of mistakes" that the
>person make in difficult/stressful situations. The candidate has an
>opportunity to review this with the understanding that the report will
>reflect what they believe about themselves.
>
>We discourage the use of these tests as the sole or singularly important
>aspect of selection.
>
Ivan,
That's not what I'm talking about at all. I'm saying that the control has
to go completely to the employee ... s/he has to be assured that such tests
will not be sent on. Otherwise s/he's trapped. And the whole
'assurance/opportunity' process is tainted ...
Of course, I'm operating from a framework of employee control ... my belief
that growth in self-awareness is possible, but not when it's linked, as
you've done, with inspection from the psychologist/employer.
Ray
Dr. R.V. (Ray) Rasmussen
Chair, Department of Organizational Analysis
http://www.bus.ualberta.ca/rrasmussen/
Director, Environmental Research & Studies Centre
http://www.ualberta.ca/~ersc/