Selection System for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS)
Note: You do not need to do any additional research. Just use the case facts as described below in your response.
Background
On June 13, 1941, President Roosevelt created the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) to coordinate the U.S. intelligence effort against Nazi Germany. Roosevelt named William “Wild Bill” Donovan, a Wall Street lawyer and World War I hero, to head the office with a handful of agents. The organizing goal of the OSS Program was to improve the intelligence agent selection process by creating a scientifically sound approach to selection.
Role
You are a selection specialist assigned to the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in 1941. Your assignment is to develop a selection system to "identify operatives who could successfully undertake hazardous intelligence‑gathering missions behind enemy lines." In other words, to select spies who will work in Germany.
Problems
Resistance by the military, limited job information, no job descriptions, KSAOs, or performance criteria. Also, since job advertisements must be vague to maintain secrecy, the ads will likely attract undesirable candidates, including chronically bored, pathologically adventuresome, neurotically attracted to danger and potential psychopaths.
Task
Develop a complete selection system. Determine the important characteristics (aptitudes and KSAs) necessary to be a spy, develop a screening process, and a comprehensive selection process consisting of tests, work samples, and simulations that will help you identify potentially successful spies. The selection procedure will occur over a three-day period in a private facility.
Specifically
Identify the essential characteristics (e.g., traits, aptitudes, KSA, etc.) needed to be an effective spy.
Develop a screening process that you will use to exclude unqualified candidates from the assessment center.
Develop a comprehensive set of substantive assessments to evaluate candidates on each of the major requirements of the job.
Describe how you will evaluate the effectiveness (metrics) of your selection system.
Course
Instructor
Date
OSS Analysis
An effective spy should possess a set of characteristics that set them apart. It is essential that the candidate possess unique abilities to make good decisions even when under tremendous pressure. Secondly, it is important that they are able to communicate well both in speech and in writing. The ability to communicate is essential as it helps in making proper reports. Thirdly, it is important that a potential spy have a unique ability to dissect issues in such a way that they can see what a normal eye cannot. Often, the ability to greatly pay attention to detail helps the spy identify key information that will help connect the dot or the missing links. In addition, potential spies should be sociable and have the ability to interact with people. They should also have the ability to overcome cultural or other barriers when interacting with other people.
A screening process is essential for separating potential candidates from those who are unqualified. The screening process should be well designed to ensure that the most qualified personnel are selected. The first step of the screening process would be a detailed review of the application by the candidate. While reviewing the application, it is important to pay close attention to the kind of past that an individual has. For instance, it is proper to check the kind of employment the candidate has been involved in as well as their education level. It is also essential to check whether the potential candidate has had any criminal records. Further, it is very important to conduct psychological checks. These s...