The Role of Implicit Processes in Personnel Selection: A phenomenological study of implicit processes and the hidden role they play in personnel selectors´ decision making

Abstract: Many selection methodologies and tools have been developed in attempts to make recruitment processes more accurate and to improve objectivity in this area. However, these methods and tools can only improve objectivity to the extent that they are not affected by unconscious feelings, or implicit processes used by the recruiter. The purpose of this study is to try to discover in what way intuition seems to affect recruitment and personnel selection in the initial meeting between two people. In order to do this we have interpreted professional recruiters´ use of language when discussing intuition and its role in the personnel assessment process, and also during a practical photograph selection task. We did this with the help of MCA-Minerva, software specially developed for this cause. Although there was too little information on which to draw conclusions, we felt that further research might strengthen the impressions that trained recruiters were more likely to resist the use of implicit processes. We have adopted a phenomenological methodology so as to remain as loyal to the phenomenon as possible in its actual context. Today´s job market leaves little room for error on behalf of the employer or prospective employee in selection issues. We hope that our research and conclusions will raise awareness and make helpful suggestions in this important facet of personnel recruitment.