Applicant Reactions to Selection Methods in China. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Xuewei; Potočnik, Kristina; Anderson, Neil
• Is Part Of: International journal of selection and assessment. Volume 24:Number 3(2016:Sep.)
• Page Start: 296
• Page End: 303
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: Employee selection -- Periodicals; Personality and occupation -- Periodicals; Employment interviewing -- Periodicals; Prediction of occupational success -- Periodicals; Employees -- Rating of -- Periodicals; 658.3112
• DOI: 10.1111/ijsa.12148
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0965-075X

Abstract

Abstract : This study examines applicant reactions to ten popular selection methods in China. Using a sample of 294 graduates we found that Chinese applicants' reactions were highly favorable for work sample tests, interviews, and written ability tests, whereas Guanxi (i.e., relying on personal contacts when applying for a job) and graphology were perceived as the least favorable selection methods. Guanxi was also perceived as significantly less fair method compared with all others on all seven procedural dimensions studied. These findings suggest that Guanxi as an informal selection channel might threaten the fairness of personnel selection in China. Implications for the design of selection systems in Chinese companies are discussed, and ramifications for future research into applicant reactions are considered.