This study was undertaken to explore the role of a written selection examination in defining the composition of the workforce while complying with the legislative mandates for validity in the selection decision. Results of the investigation suggest that, in the public domain, two general choices exist with regard to personnel selection: an organization may select job applicants on the basis of raw test scores from the top down; or, it may group the applicants based on race, and then standardize the scores before selection from the top down. Each agency should consider the legal and social implications of the two approaches. The decision taken will reflect each agency's desire for technical expertise, social representation, or both, within its workforce, and for compliance with the law.
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