Psychological assessment urged for selection of executives

As corporate accountability becomes a critical issue globally, HR professionals worldwide are demanding that psychological assessment methods become mandatory in the selection of board level executives.

According to research by SHL Group plc, 68% of HR professionals believe that objective personality assessment should be a compulsory element in selecting a new CEO.

The research reveals a growing belief that companies live or die by the actions of the top team, with more than 60% calling for the rule to also apply to the selection of both non-executive directors and financial directors.

John Bateson, CEO, SHL Group plc said: "Human error and accountability has changed the corporate landscape in recent years. Anyone who falls foul of stakeholders will pay dearly - reputation is crucial, and companies can no longer rely on the old boys network alone to select the top team.

"Assessment can play a role in helping companies to overcome allegations of bias. HR professionals know that matching the right people to the right jobs is key, and it is unsurprising that HR is calling for objective assessment to be compulsory for the most senior positions."

Objective assessment methods can help to identify an individual's leadership ability through a series of scientifically proven tests and questionnaires. Assessment methods also predict attitudes to risk and ability to cope under pressure, in addition to pinpointing those likely to abuse power.

Interestingly, more people think that strict rules should apply for company leaders than country leaders, with 60% believing that personality tests should play a key part in appointing a president or prime minister.

The HR community seems prepared to practice what it preaches, with 68% believing that all HR directors should be prepared to sit the test.

Indeed, it appears that HR professionals would like personality screening come into play across the board, with a staggering three-quarters wanting to see their bank manager's character come under scrutiny. Seventy per cent would also feel more comfortable buying a car from a salesperson who had undergone a compulsory personality test.

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