Abstract
M. Phil. (Industrial Psychology)
Orientation: Assessment centres (ACs) are a popular method of assessment, as
they offer a direct, practical link to the required job, which link is not inferred but
observed through candidate behaviour. Given the popularity of ACs in South Africa
and how content is often borrowed from the USA, research in the applicability of US
content in South Africa is justified.
Research purpose: The main purpose of this study was to determine whether the
selected US-developed virtual assessment centre (VAC) appeared to measure what
it claimed to, and to determine whether the content found within the VAC is suitable
for South Africa.
Motivation for the study: A solid pre-statistical foundation of content forms the
backbone of assessing validity. Content validation analysis is well-suited to
analysing the relevance of AC simulations in a specific cultural context. The case
exists that too often content validation is either implied, or that no more than a
paragraph is deemed sufficient to explain content validation efforts.
Research design: A content evaluation schedule was developed that covered seven
content validation dimensions and consisted of 50 items. 13 Subject matter experts
(SMEs) and 9 experienced middle level managers, who were considered functional
experts (FEs), were tasked to assess an imported VAC using the developed
evaluation schedule.
Main findings: This study indicated that the VAC appears to measure what it
purports to, and that the content found within the VAC is suitable for use in the South
African context.
Practical/Managerial implications: Content created in the USA can be assessed
for relevance and applicability for use in South Africa through content validation.
Contribution and value add: This study contributes to AC literature and
assessment methodology by demonstrating the importance and utility of content
validation. Importers and developers of AC content may use this study’s techniques
to validate content so as to meet legislative requirements and ensure domain
relevance of content.