Summer 2008

New Study to Explore Telecommuter Effectiveness

Employers invited to join, qualify for free reports

Much has been written on telecommuting since the early 90s and one frequent discussion in that literature contemplates the ideal "telecommuter personality." But should an employer use a personality test to select someone for a telework assignment? Probably not. But could the manager and telecommuter both benefit from a report of the worker's challenges and strengths in the work-at-home role? Absolutely!

Join Telecommuter Study, Qualify for Free Reports

PPI is inviting organizations of all types and sizes to participate in our study on the implications of personality factors for successful telework arrangements. Employers can participate at no charge, receive a free copy of the study results at the end of the project, and qualify for further research and free assessments of their teleworkers. Here's an outline of the study:

Objective: Determine through original research the relationship between personality factors and the effectiveness of a teleworker. This information will be used to create management tools based on individual's personality characteristics. (Note: These are not intended to be selection tools.)

Benefits to Participants: Organizations can participate at no charge, receive free Hogan Assessment Systems Management Builder reports for each employee who completes a Hogan Personality Inventory ($45 value each), and receive an executive report at the end.

Participation: All types and sizes of organizations are invited to participate. We seek up to 30 managers who have supervised teleworkers for at least three months as well as 30 teleworkers who have at least three months of experience to complete an online process called the Hogan Job Evaluation Tool. The teleworkers do not need to work for the managers involved. The online form takes about 20-30 minutes to complete. It asks both managers and teleworkers to evaluate what is needed for optimal performance in the role.

Confidentiality: Organization and participant names and results will be confidential to Performance Programs.

Outcome: We aim to learn if manager/teleworker relationships will be enhanced by information that shows the worker's strengths and challenges in a telework setting. Possible applications include increased insight into selection criteria for telecommuting assignments, a tool for managers, as well as a tool to help individuals take charge of predictable challenges based on their personality.

Join Telecommuter Study by sending the contact form. Please place "Telecommuter Study" in the subject line. Or call 1-800-565-4223.

Professional Certification Workshops

Hogan Certification Seminars

Become qualified to administer and interpret the predictive workplace personality tests from Hogan Assessment Systems. Performance Programs will offer certification seminars on Friday, September 12, and again on November 6, 2008. These Hogan Assessment Certification seminars are conducted in a one-day format from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Old Saybrook, CT area. The price is $1200 and includes products and services valued over $1945: a Hogan Certification Manual, a technical manual, the opportunity to complete and interpret your own Hogan assessments, and one hour of follow-up telephone consultation. Please call Sonya Hamilton at 1-800-565-4223 with any questions about the news from Hogan Assessment Systems.

Clark Wilson Group 360 Feedback Certification

Learn how to make the most of 360 feedback when you attend the Clark Wilson Group Certification Seminar. You'll learn by interpreting your own feedback report, reviewing Clark Wilson Group's extensive research, reviewing sample reports. The price is $995 and includes products and services valued over $1500: a Meaningful Measures Certification Manual, the opportunity to complete and interpret your own assessments, and one hour of follow-up telephone consultation. The next workshop is October 27, 2008 in New York City.

Customer Favorites

The following two products are currently our customers most frequent requests. Both are report series based on a the validated personality tests published by Hogan Assessment Systems.

Hogan Candidate Potential Reports for Hiring

These reports offer small- to medium-size organizations a fast track to validated hiring assessments, addressing managers' concerns about the risk and cost of bad hires. The Candidate Potential Report (CPR) helps select candidates with the best job fit for jobs throughout your organization, ultimately increasing productivity and decreasing turnover. The report provides an immediate recommendation based on the assessment results that will identify each candidate as high, moderate or low fit for the job opening. Additionally, the report identifies the candidate’s strengths, areas of concern and interview style. The best part is you do not need to conduct a local validation study.

Sample of the Candidate Potential Report (CPR).

Hogan Leadership Forecast Series for Development

Executive assessment and coaching are greatly enhanced by these specialized leadership assessments. Performance Programs is an authorized distributor and certification training provider for Hogan Assessment Systems. In addtion, we have received advanced training on the Leadership Forecast series, helping you get the most from these powerful and predictive assessments. The series includes four reports: Values, Potential, Challenge, and Coaching. Obtain samples

Other popular assessment materials:

Hogan books

Employee Survey books

Our best wishes for the rest of the summer.

Paul Connolly and the Staff at Performance Programs

P.S. About Performance Programs' Newsletter

Every few months, we write about human resources and industrial psychology trends in this newsletter. The newsletter regularly features book reviews, product news, answers to readers' questions, and useful links. If you or an associate would like to receive the newsletter routinely, please subscribe.