1. COVER STORY
how candidates would most likely tool, Star Select, where we look at business parameter, the branch
behave in a given situation and by cultural alignment and background service scores form a huge impact
real life situations that tells whether check to relate the same to alignment in determining the best branch. This
the candidate handled situations in to the role and culture that the bank branch score is used as a key
real life, made important decisions offers. This tool gives us an insight indicator in the performance
etc. Whereas HDFC Life which is in into the probability of success of management exercise, which helps
the insurance sector has an interview personality traits. A continuous us accurately assess the branch
process that is designed in a manner validity study for the same is on so holistically, and not only on financial
to give insights about the candidate's that the tool remains relevant to the parameters."
personality traits. For example, times." Moreover, for all successful Aviva India has pioneered into a
explains Stanley, "We ask the assessment at Kotak Bank, feels different way of analysis. It utilizes a
candidate to solve case studies, Bhaduri, "It is necessary that both strengths-based methodology
which may not necessarily be work the input and output criteria are developed by the Center for Applied
related and draft a suitable response clearly defined and then tracked. For Positive Psychology (CAPP), UK.
addressing the customer's concerns. instance, the input would be the Sandip Mallik, the director- HR of
This is further tested during the interview exercise, the psychometric Aviva India says, "Strength is a pre-
personal interview to spot patterns evaluation, on-boarding and existing capacity for a particular way
of continuity. Over the course of
work, these traits can be identified
and observed during certain
situations gauging whether the CSE
is empathetic towards his internal/
PERSONALITY &
external customers, or is able to
identify/analyse the issue at hand,
WORK ENVIRONMENT
take the final decision, see the impact
and quality of resolution provided, An INVESTIGATIVE kind likes to work The ENTERPRISING kind likes
etc. So, the evaluation is on the with theory and data, thinks, organizes, competitive environments, leadership,
quality of customer interactions, and understands. Traits consist of influence, selling, and status. Traits
accurate identification of the issue analytical ability, curiosity, and involve ambition, domination, energy,
at hand and the final decision taken independence like in lawyers, and self-confidence in jobs like
to resolve the complaint." mathematicians, and professors. management, marketing, and sales.
In contrast, Kotak Bank measures
personality traits through previously The REALISTIC type likes physical An ARTISTIC type prefers creativity,
defined behaviours that it values as activities that need skill, strength, originality, and random activities that
an organization, which are down to
earth, and approachable, mutual
and coordination. So, traits permit creative expression. Traits are
respect and transparency in dealings, comprise of genuineness, stability, imagination, unruliness, optimism,
passion to achieve and conforming, and being practical emotions, and sometimes being
entrepreneurial creativity. Further, like in architects, farmers, and unreasonable, (found in ar tists,
each of them is elucidated by a series
engineers. musicians, writers).
of objective statements that are easy
to understand and evaluate during
hiring where the interviewer uses the The SOCIAL prefers activities that The CONVENTIONAL sort likes to be
technique of behavioural event entail serving, curing, or developing precise, rule-regulated, orderly, and
interviewing to distinguish the same. others. Traits include cooperative, unambiguous as they are conforming,
Also, says Bhaduri, "We assess the friendly, sociable, and understanding efficient, practical, unimaginative, and
attitudinal and emotional aspects by such as in counsellors, doctors, inflexible such as accountants, clerks
using a psychometric assessment customer care/service and teachers. and editors. (Source: Sources of insight)
tool, Predictive Index that measures
the individual on his motivational
requirement and gives us an insight induction, training programs for of behaving, thinking, or feeling that
into the most probable behaviour. making the person productive on the is authentic and energising to the
The output from these tests also job and the output would be person, and enables optimal
undergo periodic validation to keep achievement of KRA, longevity in the functioning, development and
tab on emerging internal trends, system, alignment with the culture performance. This method has been
changing organizational needs, and value framework of the rolled out in Aviva's North America
external environmental shifts, etc. organization, like in a branch and India business units. It's a two
Another initiative, which is unique network, each branch competes for step process. First, we define role
to Kotak Bank, is the usage of the a branch score. In addition to the outcomes through data gathering
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