Background & Purpose: In recent years, public organizations have increasingly recognized the importance of utilizing Assessment and Development Centers (A&DCs), and the use of this tool has become widespread within organizations. Typically, assessments in these centers are carried out by human assessors, and the consensus of the assessors is presented in feedback reports during the final debriefing session. Technological advancements have enabled the use of modern technologies for the implementation and execution of these centers. As a result, A&DCs are transitioning to virtual forms. This research aims to explore the advantages, capabilities, challenges, and complexities of virtual A&DCs in assessing the competencies of public managers.
Methodology: A systematic review approach was employed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of research on virtual A&DCs published between 2010 and 2024. The research followed the eight-step process outlined by Uman (2011) and adhered to the PRISMA guidelines for data collection.
Findings: The findings of this review highlight several key advantages of virtual A&DCs, including increased speed, accuracy, and reduced errors and cognitive biases. Additionally, virtual A&DCs offer greater flexibility in designing and customizing assessment exercises to simulate real-world job scenarios. However, challenges such as technical difficulties, participant engagement, and the need for robust technological infrastructure must be addressed to ensure the effectiveness of virtual A&DCs.
Conclusion: Virtual A&DCs represent a valuable tool for assessing the competencies of public managers. By leveraging technology, organizations can enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and objectivity of their competency assessment processes. However, careful consideration of the challenges and complexities associated with virtual A&DCs is essential to maximize their potential benefits