Introduction
Social networking has affected our lives in several ways. Communication, social relationship, information, business growths are just some of the benefits. Critics have argued against the security of information people put on such social networking site and the negative sides to loosing such information to the wrong hands although there are ways in which you can protect those allowed to access some of the information.
The use of Facebook has grown at a thrilling rate worldwide and the initial intent and use has now changed from just a social networking site to other areas of use such as hiring process for applicants. Recruiters have stated clearly that some applicants have been rejected or accepted based on the information collected from their Facebook profile during the screening process. The implication of this is that it could be an added advantage or disadvantage for a prospective applicant.
The use of information collected from an applicant’s Facebook has been seen by some critics as unethical or illegal and not supporting the principles of management. The issue here is that are those information private? No, Information posted is seen by all, as long as the information is not protected from certain group or organization.
Kashmir’s Article
Kashmir Hill (2011) in an article posted on Forbes titled "What Prospective Employers Hope to See in Your Facebook Account: Creativity, Well-Roundedness, & Chastity", Shows employers view and use of Facebook in recruiting process (Kashmir, 2011). The result of research conducted by www.reppler.com on using various survey tools for recruiting applicant was analyzed by Kashmir. She revealed from the survey that 91% participants use Facebook in recruiting process and 69% has in one time or other reject applicant based on information collected on their Facebook profile. As some were rejected, several are being recruited based on their profile information (Kashmir, 2011).
The Survey also shows that 68% of recruiters have also recruit based on the information on Facebook of applicants. Kashmir in the article (2011) stated that the consideration towards the use of Facebook is actually to eliminate fake identity and identify candidate with positive impression of their true personality and organizational fit (Kashmir, 2011).
The use of Facebook in recruiting process relates to principles of management in different ways or views. Using information regarding religion, disability, race, color, or pregnancy is all against the ethical principle of management. However, when the recruiters consider unprofessionalism, character, and inappropriateness, we can conclude that the approach follows the principle of management. Although those terms are not usually definite but tend to depend on the employer's discretion.
This article is a strong piece because it evaluated the two sides to recruiting process using Facebook. It considers why employers might recruit or not recruit an applicant based on the reppler's survey result. Employers also choose the probable reasons for rejection and acceptance why using the information on the applicant's Facebook profile.
Conclusion
Since there are, no perfect ways there will definitely be shortcomings on the process considering the various factors that might influence the process. The information gathered might not actually depict the true personality of the applicant. Some employers might be attracted to the beautiful pictures posted by the applicant especially if is a female. All these factors if considered and avoided, the information collection regarding the other aspects might actually help to screen the applicants. I believe there is nothing wrong with the process of using Facebook because the information provided on such page are public information that could be access by the recruiter without any illegal or unethical issues
References
Kashmir, H. 2011. What Prospective Employers Hope To See In Your Facebook Account: Creativity, Well-Roundedness, & 'Chastity'. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2011/10/03/what-prospective-employers-hope-to-see-in-your-facebook-account-creativity-well-roundedness-chastity/
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