Selection methods
Once the organization has screened out unsuitable candidates, a number of
selection options are available. Some of the more commonly used methods
are presented in Table 4.1, together with indicators of the cost and validity
associated with each technique. When discussing selection techniques,
account should be taken of the reliability and validity of each method.
In relation to selection, reliability refers to the extent to which a selection
technique is free from random error or, put it in another way, the technique
produces a consistent result with repeated use. Research on selection methods
reveals that easily observable characteristics, such as verbal fluency, can be
more reliably measured using an interview than, for example, leadership
ability, which is far more complex and deeply embedded in the individual’s
personality and therefore not easily assessable during a selection interview.
Validity refers to how well a measure on a selection technique relates
to the individual’s actual performance in a job. This means the extent to
which a selection measure is a predictor of job performance. So whilst verbal
fluency may be measured reasonably reliably in an interview, it does not
necessarily mean that verbal fluency is a good predictor of performance for
a given job. On the other hand, a word processing test used in a selection
technique for an administrative position is likely to have a high validity
since it directly measures a significant job component. When selecting individuals
for a job the selection process may require different techniques to be
used for reasons of validity, even if the actual technique has a lower reliability
score. Perhaps the best example of this is the traditional interview, which
according to HR research has a low reliability score, but it is considered
essential in most selection procedures because of the need to judge a candidate’s
sociability and other attributes that can be reliably observed in an
interview situation and which have a high validity in relation to the ability
of a candidate to ‘fit in’ with an organization’s culture and values.
As can be seen in Table 4.1, some techniques have more validity than
others, and choosing the right technique or combination of techniques varies
according to each selection scenario. The advantages and disadvantages
associated with each of these techniques, and the situations in which each
one is most appropriate, are discussed in the following section.