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Social media for talent selection? a validity test of inter-judge agreement and behavioral prediction

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Abstract

Individuals have a large amount of personal information on social media (SM), which provides companies with new opportunities for talent selection. However, researchers’ understanding of the effectiveness of assessments based on SM is relatively ambiguous, and the conclusions of empirical studies remain controversial. The Realistic Accuracy Model provides theoretical and methodological support for the application of SM information in zero-acquaintance contexts. Accordingly, we collected and matched 160 sets of Chinese SM assessment (other-assessment) and employee self-assessment data. Through a two-step data analysis, we conducted a consistency check and verification of behavioural predictions. The results suggested that in terms of general suitability, as well as knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (KSAOs), the other-assessments and self-assessments were consistent. Furthermore, the general suitability and KSAOs of the other-assessments were predictive of behavioural intention (i.e., openness to change). This study empirically tested the accuracy of SM talent assessments, and finally, the research limitations and future trends were discussed.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by Natural Science Foundation of Fujian (Grant No. 2019J01069).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Business School, Huaqiao University China, Quanzhou, 362021, Fujian, China

    Zheng Wenzhi, Shen Chuangang & Wen Hao

  2. Graduate Institute of Global Business and Strategy, National Taiwan Normal University, 31 Shida Road, Daan District, Taipei, 10645, Taiwan

    Wu Yenchun

  3. Business Management, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan

    Wu Yenchun

Authors
  1. Zheng Wenzhi
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  2. Wu Yenchun
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  3. Shen Chuangang
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  4. Wen Hao
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Correspondence to Wu Yenchun.

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Appendix: the measuring tool

Appendix: the measuring tool

1.1 General suitability

1. I can see how this person would be an attractive applicant to an opening at an organization.

2. I would further consider this person for employment if they had the skills to fill an open position.

3. I would be hesitant to pursue this person as an applicant after viewing their WeChat profile.

4. I would give the candidate a good suitability score.

5. I think the candidate is suitable for an organization undergoing change.

1.2 KSAOs:

1. The applicant (employee) is able to handle internal and external relationships (with superiors, subordinates, colleagues, etc.)

2. The candidate is honest and not hypocritical.

3. The candidate is competent and willing to take responsibility for his or her job.

4. The candidate is able to improve the organization’s efficiency and to attempt change in the organization at minimal cost.

5. The applicant follows basic professional ethics.

6. The candidate is trustworthy and reliable.

7. The applicant can understand organizational changes and try to solve problems that occur as a result of changes.

8. The candidate has the competency to generate new ideas and to discover and create new things.

9. When faced with organizational change, the candidate can prepare for it, such as obtaining the necessary knowledge and skills.

1.3 Openness to change

  1. 1.

    I hold an open and accepting attitude towards organizational change.

  2. 2.

    I think organizational change would engender positive effects on the manner in which I complete my work.

  3. 3.

    Overall, organizational change aims to improve the organization.

  4. 4.

    I think organizational change will have a positive impact on our customers

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Wenzhi, Z., Yenchun, W., Chuangang, S. et al. Social media for talent selection? a validity test of inter-judge agreement and behavioral prediction. Inf Technol Manag 22, 1–12 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10799-021-00321-z

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