Is it Possible to Overcome the Effects of Bias in the Recruitment Process? An experimental study on halo and contrast effect

Authors

  • Nazlı Turker Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University
  • Engin Üngüren Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/%20zenodo.13872020

Abstract

This study aims to determine whether or not candidates’ curriculum vitae generate halo and contrast effects on recruiters’ decisions for a particular professional position. The true experimental design of the study was conducted with the randomized pretest-posttest control group design. A total of 900 university students in tourism participated in the study. A fictional scenario based on recruitment was set up and evaluations were tested with research questions regarding said scenarios. Respondents in control and experiment groups evaluated with fifteen-day intervals the curriculum vitae of different candidates, who applied for a front office department manager position, concerning their professional adequacy, perceived performance, and employability. Findings revealed that respondents base their candidate evaluations on comparisons rather than the requirements of the position. Moreover, respondents are observed to make inferences regarding candidates’ personality traits based on the information they provide in their curriculum vitae. The study empirically reveals that candidate evaluations based on only the content of their curriculum vitae are open to halo and contrast effects. The findings of the study contribute to understanding potential rater bias in recruitment processes.

Author Biography

Engin Üngüren, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University

Assist Prof., PhD

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Published

2024-10-15

How to Cite

Turker, N., & Üngüren, E. (2024). Is it Possible to Overcome the Effects of Bias in the Recruitment Process? An experimental study on halo and contrast effect. International Journal of Contemporary Economics and Administrative Sciences, 14(1), 036–053. https://doi.org/10.5281/ zenodo.13872020