Hay Groups federal public service executive assessment center (EXAC)

Hay Groups executive assessment center focuses on the assessment of the public services key leadership competencies for executives. Our assessment center allows for the gathering of critical data on an individuals competencies and his or her fit for an executive position. It can be used for selection or developmental purposes.

What is an assessment center?

An assessment center allows for the assessment of competencies and key job-related attributes by having candidates complete a series of activities and instruments designed to elicit the demonstration of executive behaviours. Since more than one instrument aims at assessing the same competency, results from different instruments are pooled together. This triangulation of the data augments the robustness, consistency and validity of the results. Hay Groups EXAC is an excellent way to improve executive appointments and how appointment processes are made across government. It ensures that the PSEA, the appointment framework and the values underlying both the PSEA and the framework are respected.

How is Hay Groups assessment center administered?

EXAC is typically administered as a one-day assessment process, yet can be dispensed in two half-day sessions, if required. Hay Group manages the whole administration process, including scheduling and briefing candidates to ensure they are informed of the selection criteria, administration of the exercises in Hay Group offices (located across Canada), producing feedback reports, debriefing the selection board, and one-on-one feedback to candidates. The assessment center is available in French or English.

What does the assessment center measure?

Hay Groups EXAC is based on 50 years of research on executive performance and competencies. It measures the characteristics deemed most likely to lead to performance excellence in an executive position in the federal public service. These include: 1) Key leadership competencies identified by the Public Service Commission and the Public Service Human Resources Agency of Canada (i.e., engagement, strategic thinking, values and ethics and management excellence) and 2) attributes associated with executive potential based on rigorous Hay Group research, such as growth factors and derailers. All of these elements are important indicators of potential in an executive role.

How can this information be used?

Information garnered through EXAC is used for selection processes for candidates applying to EX positions. It can also be used to improve or enhance current performance in an executive position. As it measures potential to move up the executive hierarchy, it can serve as a foundation for career planning and professional development with respect to future leadership roles.

What are the advantages of using EXAC for your EX competitions?

Valid: EXAC is a proven assessment process developed in 2002. More than 600 PS EX candidates have taken EXAC since 2006. Normative data exists for target groups. Professional: EXAC assessors are trained and bilingual senior consultants with significant experience in executive assessment, development and coaching. They all have a deep understanding of the federal governments executive hierarchy and challenges. Fast: No need to wait months for an assessment to be conducted. Hay Group can quickly accommodate the assessment of aspiring executives, with turnaround of less than 10 days after the assessment has been conducted. Hay Group can conduct large assessment processes. Available across Canada: We have offices in most major Canadian cities. Assessments can be conducted with minimum travel costs and minimal disruption to your organizations operations. Competitive: EXAC can be tailored to your needs. Our costs are competitive with equivalent offerings.

Would you like to know more?

For more information, please contact Dr. Franois Ducharme, Director, Hay Group Limited at 613-2384785 ext. 227 or email francois.ducharme@haygroup.com.

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