Difference between Work Sample method and Assessment Centre

[abhishreshthaa]

WORK SAMPLE

• Suitable for routine, repetitive jobs with visible outcomes

• Takes a few minutes to test the applicant

• Evaluated by one supervisor

• Can be done on location where the applicant performs a small segment of the job

• Usually completed on one applicant at a time



ASSESSMENT CENTRE

• Suitable for managerial jobs, the outcomes are not behaviourally observable

• Takes days to conduct various exercise

• Evaluated by a team of trained observers

• Requires a separate facility. The centres are conducted for a variety of task segments( that may not be the real job) that may be included in the real job

• Usually performed on groups of applicants at the same time

 

[Business-education]

Definition of Work Sampling

Work sampling is the statistical technique for determining the proportion of time spent by workers in various defined categories of activity (e.g. setting up a machine, assembling two parts, idle…etc.).

Definition of An assessment center

An assessment center (AC) is a technique used in the selection of candidates for a job in an organization. It is most often used to help determine which employees have the potential to be promoted into management positions. It employs a variety of techniques and multiple observers in a closed setting.