I'm not sure I understand what you mean. If confronting isn't being an asshole, then what is this test supposed to measure?
The original post doesn't explain who's considered an asshole at the end of the test. In fact, the whole point is that the test is opaque - the assholes are whoever someone at IBM subjectively doesn't want to hire. So who passes or fails the whiteboard test, and why? If it was as simple as "whoever takes over the dry-erase marker from the first person is an asshole", then they'd be ridding themselves of anyone who questioned authority. Therefore, what's the difference between this and any other test which tried to bar entry to anyone who'd introduce new ideas to a stagnant corporate culture?
The original post doesn't explain who's considered an asshole at the end of the test. In fact, the whole point is that the test is opaque - the assholes are whoever someone at IBM subjectively doesn't want to hire. So who passes or fails the whiteboard test, and why? If it was as simple as "whoever takes over the dry-erase marker from the first person is an asshole", then they'd be ridding themselves of anyone who questioned authority. Therefore, what's the difference between this and any other test which tried to bar entry to anyone who'd introduce new ideas to a stagnant corporate culture?