Assessment center method is a complex assessment process. Its key characteristics are the usage of multiple assessment methods, involvement of numerous assessors and multiple participants. The result is a multifaceted assessment of the level of development of individual competences. The method can be used for selection or personnel development. The purpose of our research was to examine the extent to which the assessment center method is widespread in Slovenia and what are the practices of its use. As this is the first such survey in Slovenia, we have used an exploratory research approach. For the purpose of data collection, we prepared a questionnaire, which covered following topics: frequency of the assessment center usage, preparation and execution, assessment center exercises, participants in the assessment center, assessors in the assessment center, observation systems, results and feedback. The survey involved 285 participants who work in the field of personnel selection or development, most of whom work in a large company. We found that the method is not widespread in Slovenia, since only over a third of respondents reported that they knew the method. Of the participants who reported that they knew the method, only half indicated that they had experience using the method. The respondents stated as main reasons for not using the assessment center method high financial costs, time consuming assessment process and lack of expert knowledge. We have found out that the method is currently most commonly used for personnel selection purposes. The useful value of the research is an insight into the scope of the assessment center method, highlighting the positive and negative elements of current practices, and a set of recommendations for improving the use of the assessment center method.
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