The evaluation of a management development centre

Abstract

Management development is critical for effective job performance and in turn for the success of the organisation. The cost of this development "calls for" an evaluation of the increased performance actually achieved. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a development centre on management "performance" in South Africa. Research on this aspect of the assessment centre technology is lacking. The research was based on the Solomon Four-Group design. A sample of Ill managers at supervisory level was used. The job performance of participating managers was measured prior to attending the centre and three months after attendance. Consistent with the available research findings, the results indicated a statistically significant increase in the critical dimensions measured in the experimental groups. Consequently it was concluded that, in support of the hypothesis posed, the participation in a development centre contributes to an increase in managerial performance. Key terms: development centres; assessment centres; management development; managerial performance; managerial-dimensions; managerial-competencies.