Curious About In-Basket Exercises? How Do You Use Them Effectively?

Hi,

Can anyone tell me the modus operandi of using an in-basket exercise?

Thanks,
Kals

Hi Kals,

In-basket exercises are structured activities for learning from experiences.

Purpose: To simulate the decision-making and prioritizing tasks associated with a position, often used in selection, also suitable for coaching. May be adaptable to synergistic team activity.

Process: The process given in the in-basket activity provides details of the scenario, the key performance indicators of the position, and asks to initiate actions - these may include phone calls, emails, memos, or diary appointments. The solution offered by the person doing the task is compared to a desired outcome checklist. The activity should be followed up by a face-to-face interview where the candidate is given the opportunity to explain the rationale for the decision made or priorities assigned.

Timing: Provide more material than can be handled in thirty minutes, but not so much that ranking of priorities cannot be completed in this time.

Set up: The activity should be conducted at a desk in as close a simulation as possible to the position's working environment.

Regards,

Mamta

Hi,

An in-basket exercise is usually a component of an Assessment/Development Center. Before using any instrument/exercise, it is extremely important to understand:
1. What competencies are we trying to measure with the instrument?
2. Is there more than one instrument that measures the same competency?

It is recommended that one instrument should ideally measure 2-3 competencies, and one competency should be measured by at least two instruments. Therefore, before using an in-basket exercise, it is important to define the objective that one is trying to achieve by using the exercise.

Regards,
Lakshmi