Problems and Solutions in Applying Assessment Center Methods in Taiwan

Abstract

Assessment center method (ACM) is an ever more complete and appropriate method with respect to human resource practice in this ever changing, global and technologically demanding business environment. However, the operation of ACM is relatively preliminary due to different business environments in Taiwan. Thus, the study was aimed to explore the current situation of applying ACM in Taiwan, to investigate the problems of implementation, to construct a comprehensive strategy to solve these problems and to provide the concrete conclusions and suggestions to practitioners and further studies. By using qualitative research method with multiple cases, the main problems of applying ACM on Taiwan found in this study were: (1) All aspects during application can not be ignored (2) Managerial capabilities need to be enhanced (3) Never think assessment center as ‘panacea’ (4)Effective assessment center in Taiwan has not been built. In addition, comprehensive solutions to cope with these problems concluded in this study were (1) Seek for support from executives (2) Make the purpose of application clear (3) Establish the system of assessment (4) Select suitable assessment center for your own company (5) Provide Training after assessment (6) Develop and modify materials during a period of time (7) Offer subsequent measures to leverage the assessment center.