Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2019 Strategies for Human Resources Professionals Using Social Networking Websites for Hiring Decisions Robert Tyree Solomon Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Business Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Management and Technology This is to certify that the doctoral study by Robert T. Solomon has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Brenda Jack, Committee Chairperson, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Dr. Kelly Chermack, Committee Member, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Dr. Mary Dereshiwsky, University Reviewer, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2019 Abstract Strategies for Human Resources Professionals Using Social Networking Websites for Hiring Decisions by Robert T. Solomon MS, Troy State University, 1999 BS, Tuskegee University, 1989 Final Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University April 2019 Abstract The use of social networking websites by employers without adequate strategies can lead to misuse of job applicant’s information or discriminatory hiring practices. The purpose of this multiple case study was to identify strategies that some human resource professionals in the southeastern United States implemented to maximize the use of social networking websites in the hiring process. Signaling theory was used as the conceptual framework for this study. Semistructured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 8 purposefully selected human resource professionals who used social networking websites for at least 3 years to screen and select job applicants. Documentation of participating organizations was also reviewed to assess the guidance employees received for using social networking websites to inform hiring decisions. Two other sources of data included field notes and observations of participants during interviews. Interview transcripts and supporting documents were coded using a priori and emergent codes focused on identifying themes among strategies hiring managers used. A few of the themes that emerged from the thematic analysis of the interview data were professional social media, personal social media, and legal concerns. The results of this study may contribute to positive social change by providing human resource professionals and hiring managers with more knowledge for optimizing the use of social networking websites for cybervetting and hiring job candidates. Strategies for Human Resources Professionals Using Social Networking Websites for Hiring Decisions Robert T. Solomon MS, Troy State University, 1999 BS, Tuskegee University, 1989 Final Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University April 2019 Dedication I dedicate this achievement to my God who strengthens me and makes all things possible. To my wife, Linda, you are truly the wind beneath my wings and I thank you for encouraging, loving, and supporting me through this process. To my friends, who prayed for me, prayed with me, and motivated me to continue this journey, thank you. I also dedicate this accomplishment to the memory of my mother, Mrs. Edith Solomon, who made her transition on July 4, 2018. I miss you every day, but I know I will see you again. Acknowledgments I thank my God for His amazing grace that allowed me to achieve this goal. For it is in Him that I live, and move, and have my being. Without God, none of this would be possible and I owe Him all the praise and glory for the great things He has done. I am extremely appreciative of my chair, Dr. Brenda Jack, for her guidance and continued support throughout this process. I would like to thank other committee members, Dr. Kelly Chermack and Dr. Mary Dereshiwsky, for challenging me and providing feedback that made this study possible. I also thank my colleagues in the program for their encouraging words that inspired me to keep moving forward. Table of Contents Section 1: Foundation of the Study ......................................................................................1 Background of the Problem ...........................................................................................1 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................2 Purpose Statement ..........................................................................................................3 Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................3 Research Question .........................................................................................................4 Interview Questions .......................................................................................................4 Conceptual Framework ..................................................................................................5 Operational Definitions ..................................................................................................6 Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations ................................................................7 Assumptions .............................................................................................................7 Limitations ...............................................................................................................7 Delimitations ............................................................................................................8 Significance of the Study ...............................................................................................9 Contribution to Business Practices ..........................................................................9 Implications for Social Change ..............................................................................10 A Review of the Professional and Academic Literature ..............................................11 Signaling Theory ....................................................................................................12 Key Constructs Underlying Signaling Theory .......................................................14 Supporting and Contrasting Theories ....................................................................16 Use of Social Networking Websites in the Hiring Process ...................................19 Job Applicant’s Brand on SNWs ...........................................................................24 i Social Networking Websites as Signaling Environments ......................................25 Barriers to Optimizing SNWs in the Hiring Process .............................................33 Strategies for Optimizing Use of SNWs by Employers ........................................44 Best Practices for HR Professionals Using SNWs ................................................48 Transition .....................................................................................................................52 Section 2: The Project ........................................................................................................53 Purpose Statement ........................................................................................................53 Role of the Researcher .................................................................................................53 Participants ...................................................................................................................55 Research Method and Design ......................................................................................58 Research Method ...................................................................................................58 Research Design.....................................................................................................60 Population and Sampling .............................................................................................61 Ethical Research...........................................................................................................64 Data Collection Instruments ........................................................................................66 Data Collection Technique ..........................................................................................69 Data Organization Technique ......................................................................................73 Data Analysis ...............................................................................................................74 Reliability and Validity ................................................................................................78 Transition and Summary ..............................................................................................83