EXPLORING COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY IN INNOVATION-DRIVEN MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAMS FOR HR-BASED SELECTION MODELS

Abstract

In today’s innovation-focused workplaces, the conventional HR selection models are unable to pinpoint applicants who could succeed in multidisciplinary teams. This research offers a new selection model based on embedding cognitive flexibility, the mental capacity to adapt, switch tasks, and think in different domains, into the HR invitation to tender (ITT) or recruitment process. There was a five step methodology followed which included refinement of the job advertisement, adaptive resume filtering, CV and Psychometric-based cognitive tests, and interviews. Comparison of results from traditional and cognitively enhanced models yielded significant improvement in post-hire team fit and performance. Adding cognitive testing improves selection precision which aids organizations in constructing agile teams. The results construct a model to be adopted by HR practitioners who wish to innovate and align their talent strategy.