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Research article

Reasons for Being Selective When Choosing Personnel Selection Procedures

Cornelius J. König; Ute-Christine Klehe; Matthias Berchtold; Martin Kleinmann

International Journal of Selection and Assessment • 2010

audience: factory-internalaudience: velaPeople Analyticsbridge (3)processed in meta-factory

Abstract

The scientist–practitioner gap in personnel selection is large. Thus, it is important to gain a better understanding of the reasons that make organizations use or not use certain selection procedures. Based on institutional theory, we predicted that six variables should determine the use of selection procedures: the procedures’ diffusion in the field, legal problems associated with the procedures, applicant reactions to the procedures, their usefulness for organizational self-promotion, their predictive validity, and the costs involved. To test these predictions, 506 HR professionals from the German-speaking part of Switzerland filled out an online survey on the selection procedures used in their organizations. Respondents also evaluated five procedures (semi-structured interviews, ability tests, personality tests, assessment centers, and graphology) on the six predictor variables. Multilevel logistic regression was used to analyze the data. The results revealed that the highest odd ratios belonged to the factors applicant reactions, costs, and diffusion. Lower (but significant) odds ratios belonged to the factors predictive validity, organizational self-promotion, and perceived legality.

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Models (1)

  • Institutional Theory

    evidence: Medium

    Organizational Behavior • Legitimacy

    Primary factors

    DiffusionLegal considerationsApplicant reactionsOrganizational self-promotionPredictive validityCosts

    Field domains

    Organizational BehaviorHuman Resource Management

Constructs (6)

  • Diffusion

    HR_001

    The extent to which a selection procedure is perceived to be widely used in the field.

    Domains

    HR Systems

    Linked models

    Institutional Theory

    Mimetic pressure influences the choice of selection procedures.

  • Perceived Legality

    HR_002

    The extent to which a selection procedure is perceived to be in compliance with legal requirements.

    Domains

    HR Systems

    Linked models

    Institutional Theory

    Legal considerations can affect the legitimacy of an organization.

  • Applicant Reactions

    HR_003

    The extent to which applicants react positively to a selection procedure.

    Domains

    HR Systems

    Linked models

    Institutional Theory

    Negative applicant reactions can affect organizational legitimacy.

  • Organizational Self-Promotion

    HR_004

    The extent to which a selection procedure is perceived to be useful for promoting the organization.

    Domains

    HR Systems

    Linked models

    Institutional Theory

    Self-promotion can influence stakeholder perceptions.

  • Predictive Validity

    HR_005

    The extent to which a selection procedure is perceived to predict job performance.

    Domains

    HR Systems

    Linked models

    Institutional Theory

    Predictive validity is a factor in economic fitness.

  • Costs

    HR_006

    The perceived financial and time investment required to use a selection procedure.

    Domains

    HR Systems

    Linked models

    Institutional Theory

    Costs are experienced earlier than gains, influencing decision weight.

Related

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