The Impact of Psychometric Assessment on Work and Organisational Performance

The study presents the results of a survey that determines the current status of the NamPower employees’ awareness of the contribution that psychometric assessment can have on employees work and organisational performance. The study was prompted by the notion that employee productivity and performance has been a focal area in organisations as pressures for improved performance increase. It has also been discovered that job interviews, background checking, and educational qualifications, whilst essential, are only a 26% predictor of performance (Schmidt & Hunter, 1998).

The survey explored the extent to which psychometric assessment can assist management to achieve better recruitment and selection results, to identify employees with potential for training and development and to make decisions regarding career development. The study took place within the context of NamPower, a state owned power utility in Namibia, as an evaluation of psychometric assessment programme that was introduced in the company in 2004.Survey data collected from 58 employees found that employees possessed an awareness that psychometric assessment can contribute effectively to the improvement of job performance and their personal growth. They also agreed that integrating psychometric assessment into the recruitment and selection practices can lead to improved selection decisions. Employees were aware that improved team effectiveness may be gained from shared psychometric assessment results.