Developing Organizational Simulations : A Guide for Practitioners and Students

by Thornton, III, George C.; Mueller-Hanson, Rose A.; Thornton III, George C.; Hanson, Rose

• ISBN13: 9780805844122
• ISBN10: 0805844120
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-09-01
• Publisher: Lawrence Erlbau

Summary

This book provides a concise source of information on effective and practical methods for constructing simulation exercises for the assessment of psychological characteristics relevant to effectiveness in work organizations. Simulation exercises present the examinee with descriptions of complex situations that stimulate aspects of real-world settings and problems. Examinees are required to demonstrate overt behavior in handling the problems presented. The process and/or products of this behavior are observed by trained assessors who observe behavior, classify behaviors into relevant dimensions, and evaluate effectiveness. Simulations can provide assessments of abilities, skills, and competencies not readily measured by other testing techniques. Developing Organizational Simulationsprovides practical guidance for defining the attributes to be assessed, constructing the stimulus material, and designing methods for administration and scoring. Several different situational exercises are presented, including business games, leaderless group discussions, in-baskets, one-on-one interaction simulations, and case studies/presentations. Steps to ensure the reliability, validity, and legal defensibility of assessments from simulations are described. In addition, the book presents the use of simulation exercises for the purposes of personnel selection, training, development, and certification. Professional standards and guidelines relevant to the construction of simulation exercises are also covered.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Series Foreword	xii
Part I Concepts and Principles
Simulation Exercises in Context	3	(13)
Development of Simulations: A Model and Specific Steps	16	(18)
Issues and Specific Tips for Constructing Simulation Exercises	34	(17)
Determining What to Assess: Identifying Dimensions, Exercise Content, and Performance Standards	51	(10)
Part II Specific Simulation Exercises
Case Study: Analysis Problem	61	(10)
Oral Presentation Exercises	71	(13)
Leaderless Group Discussions: Non-Assigned Roles and Assigned Roles	84	(15)
One-on-One Interaction Simulations: Role Play Exercises	99	(16)
In-Basket Exercises	115	(15)
Oral Fact-Finding Exercises	130	(12)
Business Games	142	(13)
Integrated Simulation Exercises: ``A Day-in-the-Life'' Arrangements	155	(8)
Part III Implementation
Training Assessors	163	(19)
Compliance With Professional Guidelines and Standards	182	(14)
Summary	196	(3)
Appendices	199	(47)
References	246	(5)
Author Index	251	(4)
Subject Index	255