Is it disqualifying? Practitioner responses to criminal offenses in hiring decisions

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 547-563 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristine M. Kuhn
Keyword(s):  
Personnel Selection ◽  
Call Center ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Criminal Records ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Background Checks ◽  
Hiring Process ◽  
Criminal Offenses ◽  
Selection Test ◽  
Job Context

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore variation in the responses of human resource practitioners and managers to criminal offenses. Design/methodology/approach This paper considers background checks as a personnel selection test. In the first study, 280 professionals with hiring experience indicate how various criminal offenses, described as having occurred either within the past year or several years ago, would affect their evaluation of an applicant for a call center position. In the second study, a separate sample of 109 practitioners evaluates criminal as well as non-criminal transgressions that might appear on a background report. Findings In Study 1, both the apparent seriousness of an offense and its recency influence modal responses. Even non-violent misdemeanors from several years ago, however, are judged as automatically disqualifying by some participants. Study 2 shows that a practitioner’s attitude toward criminal offenses is distinct from their attitude to related forms of stigma. Results from both studies find associations between demographic variables and general willingness to accept applicants with criminal records. Originality/value This work provides quantitative data on practitioner reactions to several specific criminal offenses for a specific job context. By considering differences among offenses and among gatekeepers, rather than among applicants, it identifies challenges to fair implementation of background checks during the hiring process.

Defensible decisions

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 529-546
Author(s):  
Megan Kurlychek ◽  
Shawn Bushway ◽  
Megan Denver
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
New York State ◽  
Criminal Records ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Criminal Background Checks ◽  
York State ◽  
Background Checks ◽  
Legal Mandates ◽  
Criminal Background ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Employers using criminal background checks to make hiring determinations must carefully balance the need to protect themselves and their clients against legal mandates designed to protect the rights of individuals with criminal records. Yet, surprisingly little research examines this balancing act. The purpose of this paper is to examine how one large agency, the New York Department of Health (DOH), navigates a myriad of mandates to convey and create legitimacy in compliance with complex legal mandates and contrasting interests. Design/methodology/approach Prior research on civil right legislation suggests that while companies may create regulations that appear to comply with such mandates, their actual practice does not always comply with their own rules (Dobbin et al., 1988). Therefore, this study addresses two key questions: do the DOH policies appear to comply with the relevant New York State law and does the DOH effectively implement the policies in a way that upholds New York State law. Specifically, this study estimates probit models on a sample of over 7,000 potential employees with criminal records to determine compliance with the criteria established by law and policy. Findings Findings show that the variables indicated by law/regulations such as offense severity and time since conviction work in the intended direction. Using only these criteria the models are able to correctly predict clearance decisions approximately of the time and that extra-legal factors such as race and gender do not further influence final determinations. Practical implications These findings have practical implications for employers as they show that it is possible for employers to design formal rules that navigate this complex landscape while still opening up employment opportunities for individuals with criminal records. Originality/value This is important as many employers either utilize criminal background checks without regulation or are fearful of embarking on efforts to meet regulations such as those promulgated by the EEOC. This research is the first of its kind to actually document and explore the ability of a large employer to conduct socially responsible criminal history background checks.

The role of demographic factors of international students on teaching preferences

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-71
Author(s):  
Pramila Rao
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Teaching Methods ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Teaching Preferences ◽  
One Way Anova

Purpose This empirical research was conducted in a medium-sized private university located in the north-eastern region of the USA. The purpose of this paper was to understand whether demographic attributes (age, gender, country of origin and years of stay in the USA) of international students will predict any preferences for specific teaching methods. This study was conducted with international students from October 2012 through May 2013 (fall and spring semesters). Design/methodology/approach This research paper provides hypotheses to explore whether there is any relationship between demographic factors and preferences for various teaching methods. This study analyzes the results using both Pearson’s correlations and one-way ANOVA to reject or accept the hypotheses. Findings The results demonstrated that there were no significant correlations between the demographic variables of international students and teaching methods. However, the one-way ANOVA analyses suggested that there are differences among age groups and their preferences for group projects, years of studying in the USA and their preferences for classroom discussions, and gender and their preferences for textbook assignments. Practical implications This study suggests that scholars provide orientation or training on the host country’s pedagogies so that international students can assimilate better into their academic communities. Originality/value This pioneering paper examines the role between demographic variables of international students and teaching pedagogies. This specific concept has not been examined in this literature before. This understanding could contribute to a richer understanding of this population of students.

Gender differences on job satisfaction of the five‐star hotel employees

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 1047-1065 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derya Kara ◽  
Muzaffer Uysal ◽  
Vincent P. Magnini
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hotel Employees ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Job Conditions ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Personal Fulfillment

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine gender differences while controlling for select variables on job satisfaction using data collected from employees in the hospitality industry.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted on 397 employees (234 males and 163 females) in five‐star hotels in Ankara, Turkey.FindingsThe level of job satisfaction is determined by four factors: “management conditions”, “personal fulfillment”, “using ability in the job”, and “job conditions”. The study results show that significant gender differences exist with regard to the “using ability in the job” dimension of job satisfaction. After controlling such variables as age, marital status, monthly income level, education, type of department, position held, length of time in the organization, length of time in the tourism sector, and frequency of job change, most gender differences remained significant.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of hotel employees solely representing five‐star hotels may be considered a limitation of this study. The results provide information that can be utilized in understanding, maintaining, and increasing the satisfaction levels of both female and male employees. The findings indicate that fairness and equity in salary and wages are effective tools to increase the job satisfaction levels of male and female employees.Originality/valueThis study focuses on the identification of gender‐specific drivers of job satisfaction while controlling for select demographic variables. The study provides insight into employees' perceptions of certain aspects of the nature of the hospitality and tourism sector in Turkey.

Looking after the pennies how to maximize returns on retail training

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 35-37
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Call Center ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Training And Development ◽  
Fair Share ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Negative Comments ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings What is the least glamorous role within the modern organization? Accountants are usually the butt of jokes about boring jobs and even more boring people who count the pennies. Receptionists also receive their fair share of flak, as does anyone working in office services or in a call center. However, one job above all others seems to garner more than its fair share of negative comments, and it is the position of the helpless training and development officer. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent, information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Creating the collective mind through virtual mirroring based learning

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 4-7
Author(s):  
Peter Gloor ◽  
Kai Fischbach ◽  
Julia Gluesing ◽  
Ken Riopelle ◽  
Detlef Schoder
Keyword(s):  
Call Center ◽  
Quantum Physics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Guiding Principle ◽  
Individual Privacy ◽  
Sales Forecasts ◽  
Geographical Maps ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Individual ◽  
E Mail

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to show that virtual mirroring-based learning allows members of an organization to see how they communicate with others in a visual way, by applying principles of “social quantum physics” (empathy, entanglement, reflect, reboot), to become better communicators and build a shared “DNA” within their organization. Design/methodology/approach E-mail based social network analysis creates virtual maps of communication – social landscapes – of organizations, similar to Google Maps, which creates geographical maps of a person’s surroundings. Findings Applying virtual mirroring-based learning at various mulitnational firms has significantly increased their organizational efficiency and performance, for instance increasing customer satisfaction by 18 per cent in a large services organization, increasing retention, making sales forecasts, and improving call center employee satisfaction. Research limitations/implications To address concerns of individual privacy, the guiding principle is to give individual information to the individual and provide aggregated anonymized information to management. Originality/value Virtual mirroring-based learning offers a unique way of creating collective awareness within an organization by empowering the individual to take corrective action aligned with collective action, and improves their own communication behavior through analyzing and visualizing their e-mail archive in novel ways, while giving strategic insight to management and improving organizational culture.

Managers’ perception of mobile technology adoption in the Life Insurance industry

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 507-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Visvanathan Naicker ◽  
Derrick Barry Van Der Merwe
Keyword(s):  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Life Insurance ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Insurance Industry ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Life Insurance Industry

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that influence the adoption of mobile technology by considering the information technology (IT) managers’ perception. The research identified the key challenges managers faced and whether management would adopt mobile technology or not. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative approach was used for this research, whereby an explanatory research was utilised. Questionnaires were developed and distributed to respondents who were in management and leadership positions and who were responsible for IT within their organisations. Demographic variables of age, gender differences, level of education, level of experience and culture were tested for association to the perceived factors and adoption. A χ2 of association was used to test the association between demographic variables and mobile technology adoption. Findings The results found that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, perceived complexity and perceived cost are important factors for adoption. However, perceived risk was a key factor in the adoption of mobile technology. Mobile strategy adoption must consider perceived risk factors central to the adoption. The younger generation (20 to 40) years found it easier to adopt technology than the older generation of 41 years and older. Individuals with a post matriculation level of education understood the importance of risk and cost required for adoption. Research limitations/implications Purposive sampling from a single industry (Life Insurance) was used. Limited literature was available regarding managers perception of mobile technology adoption in the Life Insurance industry. Practical implications The research offers managers insight into the important factors that need to be considered in adopting mobile technology. Originality/value With mobile technology being pervasive, the research seeks to provide managers with the insight in managing the adoption of the technology.

A study of consumers’ pre-purchase evaluation of apparel products in Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Berihun Bizuneh ◽  
Shalemu Sharew Hailemariam ◽  
Selam Tsegaye
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Garment Fit

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore pre-purchase apparel evaluation cues and examine the effect of demographic variables empirically in the context of a developing country. The initiation for the study was driven by the absence of such prior research and supplemented by the big market opportunity for clothing products in the country under investigation.Design/methodology/approachA self-administered online survey was used for data collection. Demographic questions, 23 apparel measurement items composed of 17 product-based and 6 sustainability-based items, and an open-ended question were included in the questionnaire. Factor analysis was used for dimension reduction and one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) for hypotheses testing.FindingsGarment fit, design features, colour, fabric type and seasonality are the five important characteristics most Ethiopian consumers consider while buying apparel products. Factor analysis resulted in five important factors used for pre-purchase apparel evaluation amongst which the design and extrinsic cue is found to be the most important. Environmental factors in the apparel industry got higher emphasis than social factors. While age and educational background made differences in apparel evaluation, gender did not show a significant difference.Originality/valueThe paper provides a founding insight in exploring apparel evaluation cues by considering product- and sustainability-based cues in a developing country context. It also examines the effect of three demographic variables which are rarely studied in such combination.

The effect of taxes, similar financial liabilities and demographic variables on Turkey's table wine market: a survey

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayse Nil Tosun ◽  
Ayfer Ezgi Yilmaz
Keyword(s):  
Resource Utilization ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Heavy Load ◽  
Wine Production ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wine Market ◽  
Support Fund

PurposeThis study examines the effect of taxes, similar financial liabilities, and demographic variables such as respondent age, company age, and field of operation on the table wine market in Turkey.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was conducted on the wine producers and importers via SurveyMonkey. Thirty-six survey questions were answered using a five-point Likert scale. The responses obtained from 51 owners and administrators of wine companies were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 23 program.FindingsExcise and value-added taxes affected the amount and price of table wine production in Turkey, whereas the banderole affected quality and price. The excise tax, value-added tax, banderole, Resource Utilization Support Fund, customs duty, and authorizations also affected the amount, quality and price of table wine imports. Although financial liabilities such as the banderole, Resource Utilization Support Fund and authorizations required for import do not constitute a heavy load on wine costs, they do have similar effects as other taxes on table wine imports.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of this study was its sample size. Only 51 individuals responded, as it was an online questionnaire. However, this did not compromise the representativeness of the sample with regard to the company's field of operation (production and import of table wine), lending credibility to the opinions provided.Originality/valueThis study establishes that, contrary to popular belief, decisions regarding wine production and import are not solely affected by a heavy tax burden. Other factors, such as the banderole, Resource Utilization Support Fund, ages of companies and respondents and authorizations required for import, which are not viewed as a heavy burden in monetary terms, also prove to be decisive.

The value of undergraduate capstone experiences: stepping stones to future organizational engagement

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 29-32
Author(s):  
David Starr-Glass
Keyword(s):  
Stepping Stones ◽  
Extensive Experience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Educators ◽  
Organizational Engagement ◽  
Undergraduate Study ◽  
Business Graduates ◽  
Hiring Process ◽  
Mutual Advantage ◽  
Business Undergraduates

Purpose This conceptual article describes the capstone experience. It argues that this final-year undergraduate study, particularly when centered on in-depth research and writing a dissertation, provides significant value for institutions, students, and future employers. It is argued that the criteria for capstone experience success neatly align with the skills and competencies most source by organizational employers. Design/methodology/approach This is a short reflection on the present author’s engagement with capstones and business undergraduates. It is limited in scope, reviews the author’s extensive experience and practice, but may have limited generalizability. Nevertheless, it will likely be of value to business educators and to organizational members seeking to hire high-potential business graduates. Findings Properly designed and executed, capstones can develop the skills and competencies currently considered the most desirable in organizations. Those who have successfully completed their capstones (in this case, in-depth research and an undergraduate dissertation) have a demonstrated advantage in the hiring process. Students are encouraged to see the capstone as a bridging activity between college and the workplace. This fosters student engagement with targeted organizations and the creation of contacts and networks that provide mutual advantage on graduation. Originality/value The article provides novel insights that are personal but informed and considered. It offers original perspectives on the value of the capstone experience for students, educational institutions, and hiring organizations.

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