3Executive assessment is a specialized application of individual psychological assessment focused on executive and senior leadership positions, a population that warrants special consideration because of the unique nature of higher level leadership jobs. High-level leaders and managers can have a large and lasting impact on the health and vitality of an organization, and hiring or promotional mistakes can be costly.

Executive assessment generates valuable information to support decision making in circumstances characterized by uncertainty, subjectivity, and high-stakes outcomes. The increasing pace of change in the economic and technological landscape has highlighted the need for forward-thinking organizational leaders and consultants who provide guidance for organizations in the selection and development of such leaders.

Written for graduate students, practitioners, and other professionals interested in better understanding how to work with this population, this book builds on theory, research, and practice to provide an overview of senior leadership assessment, the contexts in which this type of assessment frequently takes place, and the tools and methods used. This text also discusses ethical issues and future directions.