The Effect of Collaborative Online Media on Recruitment Decisions: An Experimental Study in the Hospitality Sector

Abstract

This research aims to determine whether collaborative hypertext dictionaries (CHDs) offer warranties within the scope of the warranting theory. A fictional script based on recruitment processes was used to examine whether the comments about persons in CHDs offer warranties to recruiters. The study was conducted with a posttest-only control group design from amongst true experimental designs. The sample consisted of 359 persons, including board members of five-star accommodation establishments with recruitment privileges, deputy general managers, accounting managers, and human resources staff. The study concluded that positive or negative comments about applicants in CHDs significantly impact the recruiters’ perspective of them. Also, the research considered important resources in recruitment processes when it comes to offering warranties. The research findings provide a practical contribution by revealing the effect of applicants’ social media content on the recruiter’s choice.