HR Definitions

Assessment Tools are questionnaires and exercises that provide insight into a person's behaviour, skill, knowledge, or other characteristics.

The tool may be a self assessment , where the person being assessed answers questions or provides information about themselves to determine an aspect of that person.

The tool may be a 360-degree process where other people who are in a position to observe the assessee, give their perceptions of that person's behaviour, skill, or knowledge.

The key component of the phrase "Assessment Tools" is indeed the word "assessment". This word implies that the person is being judged, i.e. they are suitable or not, so use of the term should be made carefully.

A problem with using this term is that the subject can become defensive and frustrated with the use of the tool, which is usually an input of a development program. If you are using these tools in a development environment, use terms such as "development tool" or "awareness tool".

Assessment Tools can be used as:

• Part of a selection process
• A personal awareness development exercise
• A component of a training and development activity
• An input to a performance management process
• An input to a Team Building process

HRworkbench® recommends that all Assessment Tools are used in an environment where a facilitator, who is trained in the use of the tools, is involved in giving the person assessed assistance to reconcile the Assessment Tool with their workplace experience.

Assessment Tools are most effective when they are used before, and a moderate period after, a development process so that changes can be measured.

360-degree Profiling
ActiveProfiles
Behavioural Profiling
Behavioural Profiling Tools
DISC
Personal Development
Psychometric Tools
Self Assessment