The In-Basket Test
This is an individual work sample designed to simulate important aspects of the manager’s position. Hence, different types of in-basket tests may be designed, corresponding to the different requirements of various levels of managerial jobs. The first step in in-basket development is to determine what aspects of the managerial job to measure. For example, in assessing candidates for middle-manager positions, IBM determined that the following characteristics are important for middle-management success and should be rated in the in-basket simulation: oral communications, planning and organizing, self confidence, written communications, decision making, risk taking, and administrative ability (Wollowick & McNamara, 1969). On the basis of this information, problems then are created that encompass the kinds of issues the candidate is likely to face, should he or she be accepted for the job.