Through the eyes of the assessor: Research into similar-to-me effects on Assessment Center scores of culturally diverse applicants

Lonneke A. L. de Meijer, Marise Ph. Born, Joran J. Jongerling, Henk T. van der Molen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

Abstract

Research by McCarthy et al. (2010) and Sacco et al. (2003) found no effect of demographic similarity between assessor and applicant on scores given on the employment interview. Both studies used hierarchical linear modeling (HLM). Using a similar HLM approach, the present study explored the effect of similarity on ratings given to native Dutch applicants and applicants with a migration background during police officer selection on another frequently used personnel selection instrument, namely the assessment center (AC). More specifically, we investigated the similar-to-me effect of demographic similarity (i.e., cultural similarity between assessor and applicant), and perceived similarity (i.e., similarity regarding specific cultural groups as considered by the assessor) on the AC ratings. Demographic similar-to-me was found to be related to Agency scores of native applicants and applicants with a migration background, but not to Communion scores. Perceived similar-to-me did not have an effect on ratings given on the AC (i.e., Agency and Communion). In general, the effect sizes were very small (R-2 < .015). Therefore, no evidence was found for (dis)similarity differentially affecting evaluations of culturally diverse applicants during the AC, which replicates and extends McCarthy et al.'s and Sacco et al.'s previous research.
Original languageDutch
Pages (from-to)270-296
Number of pages27
JournalGedrag en Organisatie
Volume34
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2021

Keywords

  • Assessment center
  • Cultural diversity
  • Demographic similarity
  • Perceived similarity
  • Personnel selection

Cite this