Multivariate Analysis in Personnel Selection

Abstract

Data on 850 candidates for entry into the Administrative, Diplomatic and Tax Inspectorate grades of the British Civil Service were used to illustrate some of the statistical problems of analysing selection procedures. Varimax factor analysis of ratings for the three samples showed very similar four factor solutions. This was confirmed by oblique rotation which also indicated that multiple group factors could be used. Multi-dimensional scaling gave a "good to excellent" fit with four dimensions. Multiple regression, to predict the overall grades given to candidates using the four factors as independent variables, illustrated important differences in the selection of Diplomats and Tax Inspectors. The factors isolated will be used when follow up data on the same individuals become available.

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