Abstract
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...