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ABILITY TEST An assessment instrument used to measure an individuals abilities, mental or physical skills level (i.e. problem solving, manual dexterity, etc.). ABSOLUTE RATINGS A rating method where the rater assigns a specific value on a fixed scale to the behavior or performance of an individual instead of assigning ratings based on comparisons between other individuals. ABSTRACT REASONING The process of perceiving issues and reaching conclusions through the use of symbols or generalisations rather than concrete factual information. ACCREDITATION A process of external quality review and certification by a recognised body that evaluates individuals, colleges, universities and educational programs to assure they are performing the functions that they claim to be performing in a competent manner. ACHIEVEMENT TEST A standardised testing instrument used to measure how much an individual has learned or what skills he or she has attained as a result of education, training or past experience. ADVERSE ACTION Any act by an employer that results in an individual or group of individuals being deprived of equal employment opportunities. ADVERSE IMPACT A substantially different rate of selection in hiring, promotion or other employment decision that works to the disadvantage of a race, sex or ethnic group. ALTERNATION RANKING A rating method used in job evaluation and performance evaluation whereby the rater is asked to select the best and worst employees from a listing of all employees and then rank them accordingly. ATTRITION A term used to describe voluntary and involuntary terminations, deaths, and employee retirements that result in a reduction to the employer's physical workforce. AUTOCRATIC LEADERSHIP Leader determines policy of the organisation, instructs members what to do/make, subjective in approach, aloof and impersonal. APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEM (ATS) An applicant tracking system (ATS) is an employee recruitment software application that can be used to post job openings on a corporate website or job board. It can be useful in screening resumes, and requesting interviews by e-mail. It is estimated that roughly 50 per cent of all mid-sized companies and almost all large corporations use some type of applicant tracking system. ASSESSMENT TESTING Testing used to assist employers in pre-hire evaluations. They ensure that organisations place the right people into the right jobs. These tests can be done via the Internet and they can provide employees with effective training, assist managers in becoming more effective, and promote people into appropriate positions. ABSENT OR ABSENCE (SCHEDULED TIME OFF) An absence is the scheduled time off from work that occurs when an employee is not present at work during a normally scheduled work period.