First-Level Supervisors Job Analysis Follow-Up: Identification of KSAO-Task Linkages

In 1986 the U.S. Army began the Professional Development of Supervisors Study PDS2 to determine the best approaches for selecting and developing civilian first-level supervisors. An extensive job analysis, the foundation for the construction of selection instruments, was part of PDS2. This report describes the linkage of important tasks and knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics KSAOs identified in that job analysis and the development of a test plan based on the linkages identified. The job analysis identified 226 tasks and 93 KSAOs. Because of the large number of judgments required to link all tasks with all KSAOs, the linkage was accomplished in two phases. In preparation for Phase I, the 226 tasks were sorted into 22 task categories. Phase I judges linked KSAOs with the 22 task categories. In Phase II, judges linked the 58 KSAOs that survived Phase I with the remaining tasks, Sixteen knowledges and 30 ASOs remained after the Phase II data analysis, The ASOs were rationally grouped into twelve supervisory dimensions. A decision was made that the selection components that were best able to fulfill both technical and practical considerations for this testing environment were the in-basket exercise and structured interview. Job analysis, Army supervisor, Linkage, Civilian leadership, KSAO, First-level supervisor