Project Abstract:

Capital One Competency Model

• Industry: Business
• Business Need: Team Training
• Client: Capital One Bank

The purpose of this project was to develop an employee selection test that directly assessed individual attributes relevant to Capital One’s competency model, such as self-confidence, social confidence, pro-activity, and pro-social assertiveness. Capital One currently uses its competency model for training and evaluation; this project extended its application into selection. The project was completed in three phases.

The first phase involved a detailed analysis of the individual-difference variables that comprise the competency model. During this phase, AIR conducted an extensive literature review to identify the personal attributes that underlay the competencies represented by the model.

In the second phase of the project, we created a competency-by-attribute(s) matrix that detailed the unique and common links between individual competencies and specific attributes(s). The resulting matrix demonstrated that a number of the Capital One competencies were united by a common skill set. To complete this phase, we re-focused on the literature to identify substantive content for use in developing test items.

The third phase involved writing multiple items to assess each relevant attribute. AIR used an innovative measurement technology called "conditional reasoning" to measure the selected constructs. Conditional reasoning items are modeled on the reasoning items found in standardized tests like the Graduate Record Exam. Because the conditional reasoning strategy appears to tap reasoning skill, rather than non-cognitive characteristics, it differs from traditional self-report methods — particularly in its resistance to faking. Finally, to meet the needs of Capital One’s international offices, AIR also developed a version of the scale suitable for administration in the United Kingdom.