The Effect of Leaders’ Behavioral Selection Assessments on Non-For-Profit Organization’s Performance in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study examines the impact of leaders’ Behavioral Selection Assessments (BSA) on the performance of Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) in Saudi Arabia. Amid the rapid growth of the Saudi non-profit sector under Vision 2030, organizations face increasing pressure to recruit qualified leaders. While functional selection assessments (FSA) remain widely used, behavioral assessments may offer stronger predictive validity for leadership effectiveness. This research develops and empirically tests a conceptual framework linking BSA, FSA, pressure to hire, and government support variables to NPO performance. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from senior leaders and HR managers in Saudi NPOs. Regression analysis was conducted to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings indicate that behavioral selection assessments significantly predict organizational performance, while excessive pressure to hire negatively affects performance. Government financial support and regulatory frameworks demonstrate moderating effects. The study contributes to leadership selection literature and offers practical implications for HR governance in the non-profit sector.