Cognadev

The Importance of Values within a company's leadership culture

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr Paul Barrett, our beloved Chief Research Scientist and cherished member of the Cognadev family. Paul dedicated many years to advancing the work of Cognadev, contributing invaluable research and insights that shaped the company's growth. His passion for the field and unwavering commitment to excellence made him an integral part of our team. Above all, Paul will be remembered for his passion, kindness, and the positive impact he had on everyone around him. Our thoughts are with his family, and he will be deeply missed by all of us at Cognadev.

This may or may not be of interest, but there are some valuable statistics about the job market in the UK at least, and what's happening there in terms of coping with the problem of finding talented new employees among a sea of candidates now swamping recruiters with AI-generated application documentation. It's an open-access podcast from the FT entitled: Recruitment is broken, what are businesses doing to fix it? | FT Working It "Businesses are fighting a skills shortage as two massive shifts are happening at once - a rapidly ageing population with fewer young people entering the workforce and generative AI changing how candidates and employers tackle recruitment. With big investments at stake, how do companies find the right candidates?" https://lnkd.in/gqChcE2s [Open Access] It's a interesting video - not too long at 17 minutes, but very relevant in places for recruiters looking at how various recruiters and organizations in the UK are responding to current issues in talent hiring.

This is a brief but thoughtful and practical impact-exposition article specifically addressing those who work in Professional Service Firms (law, architecture, and auditing). Well worth a read as it may engender interest among other professionals. The article Abstract: Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) challenges creative efforts and work that build on expertise. Since GAI has the ability to generate content that can be easily confused with human output, it puts professionals and their organizations at risk. We explore how professional service firms (PSFs) (in law, architecture, and auditing) react to this new technology and what it has entailed for them. We show that GAI has not been perceived as a threat, but these professionals have rather embraced the new technology. However, actual results of GAI initiatives remain to be seen. Also, concerns have been raised that GAI comes with an opportunity cost, as other potentially more suitable and profitable technologies are overlooked. Building on insights from our case study, we highlight several issues that need to be further explored. Ideas for a future research agenda, as well as practical advise for how to put GAI into use, are outlined. The article Reference: Kronblad, C., Jonsson, A., & Pemer, F. (2024). Generative AI beyond the hype - new technologies in the face of organizing and organizations. The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, Early View, 1-8. https://lnkd.in/gmKZ5AJj. [Open Access].

Just published, might be of interest to HR who are already thinking about this issue:- the differences between face-to-face and videoconference interviews. The open-access article Abstract is: "Videoconference interviews are now integral to many selection processes. Theoretical arguments and empirical findings suggest that videoconference interviews may lead to different interview performance ratings in comparison to Face-to-Face (FTF) interviews. This has led to the question of the comparability of the psychometric properties of videoconferences and FTF interviews. However, evidence from actual selection processes stems from the beginning of the century, and recent findings predominantly stem from simulated interview contexts. We present insights from an actual selection process within a large European organization where we had the unique opportunity for a quasi-experimental investigation of differences between videoconference and FTF interviews. Initially, the organization conducted FTF interviews, and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the interviews were conducted via videoconference. We examine mean differences in applicant performance ratings and evidence for response format-related validity differences. There were only small, non-significant mean differences and no evidence for response format related validity differences. We discuss possible causes for discrepancies in our findings compared to previous research. Furthermore, we conclude that downstream consequences of differences between FTF and videoconference interviews may be lower than previously expected. We end with a call for research on the interaction between technology-design and selection-tool-design features." The article itself: Langer, M., Demetriou, A., Arvanitidis, A., Vanderveken, S., & Hiemstra, A.M.F. (2025). A quasi-experimental investigation of differences between face-to-face and videoconference interviews in an actual selection process. Applied Psychology, 74, 1, e12558, 1-19. https://lnkd.in/g4vmUyrF [Open Access].

For those with an interest / promoting mindfulness to clients and individuals: Advanced Meditation Alters Consciousness and Our Basic Sense of Self An emerging science of advanced meditation could transform mental health and our understanding of consciousness By Matthew D. Sacchet & Judson A. Brewer, June 25th, 2024 https://lnkd.in/gKvVjvz6 [Open Access - 3x open-limited] This article was originally published with the title “Beyond Mindfulness” in Scientific American Magazine Vol. 331 No. 1 (July/August 2024), p. 70

I came across this very interesting and perceptive article on LinkedIn, which some in South Africa might have already seen: Singh, M. (2023). Maintaining the integrity of the South African university: The impact of ChatGPT on plagiarism and scholarly writing. South African Journal of Higher Education, 37, 5, 203-220. https://lnkd.in/gCbChcvv [Open Access]. Those in academia with an interest in how LLMs might be deployed for very practical purposes, as well as the more conceptual international strategic implementations, might also find these two IEEE articles valuable (from September's (Vol 57, Issue 9, 2024) IEEE Computer magazine). Generative Artificial Intelligence and Problematic Student E-Mails: Students often challenge their instructors via e-mail. This, in turn, requires instructors to respond with tact. Can generative artificial intelligence be harnessed to compose tactful replies to the toughest student criticism?  by Sorel Reisman (California State University) https://lnkd.in/gXGgPB-6 [Open Access] Adapting to Generative Artificial Intelligence: Approaches in Higher Education Institutions: Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is reshaping higher education institutions (HEIs). HEIs are responding with policies, leveraging GAI to optimize operations, update curricula, and develop multidisciplinary programs, showcasing a proactive approach to transformative educational practices. by Nir Kshetri (The University of North Carolina at Greensboro) & Jeffrey Voas, IEEE Fellow  https://lnkd.in/gzjvM4Gg [Open Access]

Just published, in the British Psychological Society magazine "Assessment and Development Matters", an open-access article entitled: "Never mind AI, what is automated testing and what are your responsibilities as a test user?" Author: Alan Redman; https://lnkd.in/gd3DzB2e [Open Access] It begins: "Automated testing developed as an inevitable response to the greater testing volumes triggered by online assessment for selection in occupational settings. The technology has advanced to a point where the underlying decision-making based on test scores can be obscured from assessors. This article explores the responsibilities of assessors when adopting automated testing and inevitably discusses the impact of AI. There are five jokes..." And, a significant paragraph at the end of the article: "On a note of good news, The EU published the final text of the Artificial Intelligence Act, which will work alongside existing data regulations (GDPR), to regulate tools including ‘high-risk applications, such as a CV-scanning tool that ranks job applicants’. These will now be subject to specific legal requirements. The law will come into effect over the next two years, and a core principle is explainability – the extent to which the algorithms being used can be made transparent and the way in which automated decisions explained. " Dr Alan Redman is a Work & Organizational Psychologist and a chartered member of the British Psychological Society. He has over 28 years’ of experience designing psychometrics and recruitment assessment tools for organizations and businesses with Clevry UK Ltd. Alan is the BPS Principal Test User Verifier and member of the Committee for Testing Standards (CTS). 

Since 1994, Cognadev has been improving the way companies assess, recruit and develop their talent. Through research and constant innovation, we have created expert online tools for businesses and individuals to further understand the correct roles and personality traits that make a cohesive working environment. We are incredibly proud to celebrate 30 years of excellence in 2024 – a true testament to the hard work, talent and dedication of each person at Cognadev. Thank you to our many clients, both locally and abroad, who have entrusted us with their most valuable assets – their employees. We look forward to many more years of excellence and continued growth.

Of interest perhaps is the first NZ AI-Forum report dated September, 2024 - entitled: "AI in Action: Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on New Zealand's Productivity". The summary story, "New research shows AI is boosting productivity with minimal job displacement" is at: https://lnkd.in/g3aXdh5X The very readable and informative report pdf (22-pages) is free to download from:  https://lnkd.in/g9Cu4jWc and includes Key survey findings and % ratings for: - Rates of Adoption - Financial Benefits - Increased Efficiency - Minimal Job Displacements - Setup and Ongoing Costs - Diverse Applications - New Career Opportunities It makes for very interesting reading.