The use of reference reports in the selection of staff in diplomatic international non-governmental organizations in Kenya

Abstract

Selection processes used for employee hiring involves several activities aimed at ensuring that the best candidate is picked for the job opening. Among these activities is reference checking, which is a deliberate attempt to get information from prior employers and other parties regarding the nature of the applicants' prior employment and relevant details. This study sought to find out the information sought and the sources of references used for selection of staff by Diplomatic International NGOs in Kenya. The study was designed as a cross sectional census survey of Diplomatic International NGOs. The target population consisted of all International Diplomatic NGOS registered to operate in Kenya. The questionnaire contained both close and open ended questions and was distributed to respondents online. Out of the 60 targeted organizations, 47 completed and usable questionnaires were returned. Contents analysis was used to aggregate the responses and the data entered in a spreadsheet for analysis. The main findings of the study are that most organizations (83%) acquire reference reports before they offer employment. Reference reports "may contain personal information and/or, information relating to skills, education and integrity of an individual applicant. In relation to the use of reference reports, forty one organizations (87.2%) indicated reference reports influenced their decisions to hire or not to hire an applicant. While reference reports alone do not influence the appointment decision, decision making is one the uses for reference reports mentioned by the respondents. Reference reports are considered as a valid tool for staff selection. However, there is no similar consensus on their reliability in evaluation candidates. In conclusion four different types of information are obtained from reference reports: personal, skills, education and confirmation. The sources of reference reports are the applicant former employers and schools and colleges that the applicant attended in the case of confirmation of certificates. Finally, while reference reports are a valid tool for staff selection they are not entirely reliable.