While there is a need to understand the effectiveness of executive assessment and the impact of development recommendations for executives, the study of these matters has proved elusive. Since the practice of executive assessment is the cornerstone of RHR International, the company decided to undertake an investigation of its assessment methodology.

Methodology
The study examined the progress of a population of executives recommended* by RHR consultants six months to three years after the initial assessment. Managers of the assessed executive provided direct feedback on each of the following aspects: 1) Accuracy and comprehensiveness of assessment report content; 2) Relevance of suggested development recommendations; 3) Extent of individual development progress made since assessment; and 4) Ratings of the executive's current level of performance, career progression and potential.

A summary of key findings was prepared for each client, and implications were discussed during a scheduled Results Session that included members of both client and consultant teams.

Results
Data from the study provided evidence that the individual assessment process, as delivered by RHR-trained consultants, is accurate, comprehensive, and directly relevant to business operations. Positive findings remained consistent regardless of the particular RHR consultant involved in the assessment.

"With almost 65 years as a world leader in executive and organizational development, we knew our assessment process was valid due to the results our clients were experiencing," said Dr. Allen Parchem, Chairman of RHR International. "But we are pleased to be the first firm in the management consulting industry to provide hard data to back up the anecdotal evidence."

Key Findings

1. ACCURACY

• 96% of the characteristics described in the assessment reports (including both positive and negative descriptors; strengths and limitations) were deemed by Managers as observable and characteristic of the executive

2. EFFECTIVENESS

• 7 out of 10 executives are identified as Highly Effective or Exceptional performers
• 9 out of 10 executives are rated as Effective or above (compared to a baseline effectiveness rating of "higher than average")

3. ACCELERATING EFFECTIVENESS

• 90% of development recommendations were judged as relevant to the organization's strategic needs
• 82% of recommendations were acted on successfully by the assessed executive

4. DEVELOPMENT

• Approximately 85% of executives have achieved progress on individual developmental programs designed for them by RHR consultants after the initial assessment

5. CAREER PROGRESSION

• Over 50% of executives have experienced an increase in role breadth/complexity and/or attained a promotion since date of assessment
• Over 33% of executives will experience an increase in role breadth/complexity and/or will attain a promotion within the next 6-12 months

6. RETENTION

• On average, clients retain 9 out of 10 executives assessed

* Consultant recommendation based on the following:
•An in-depth understanding of the role requirements, organizational context and current environmental circumstances, and how the interplay of these conditions affect leader effectiveness
•An assessment protocol based on a careful selection of methods (cognitive ability tests, personality tests, in addition to the assessment interview)
•The application of a thorough process for interpreting and integrating the data gathered in the assessment protocol in an effort to identify candidates who have the ability to be effective in the role

** NOTES: Data provided by Manager of the assessed executive; Data collected post-assessment (6 months to 3 years after date of assessment)

About RHR International

We are a firm of management psychologists and consultants who work closely with top management to accelerate individual, team and business performance. We focus on five key areas of client need – Executive Selection and Integration, Accelerated Executive Effectiveness, Senior Team Effectiveness, Management Due Diligence and CEO Succession. We have been proven difference-makers for more than 65 years, unique in our combination of top management focus, psychologists' perspective and high-level business acumen. RHR International has offices in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

For more information, please visit us at:

www.rhrinternational.com
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