Is hAIring right for your company?

Abstract

Utilising AI in the recruitment process has been a new trend within the field of HR. AI software can reportedly reduce bias when hiring for a job opening, but new research suggests that this is not the case. Biases for agentic or communal traits are shown to have an effect on the outcome of hireability, which may influence hiring decisions. The current study aims to incorporate AI software output into organisational psychological research. This is achieved by emulating AI resumes as shown to recruiters. It was expected that overall, there would be a preference for agentic over communal applicants. In addition, other variables would be included as the gender of the candidate was likely to moderate this relationship, whereas perceived person-job fit by the recruiter was likely to partially mediate this relationship. In total, the scores of a group of 123 participants was analysed. In addition, the scores for a select group of 46 were also analysed separately, due to differences in the scores on the manipulation check. Results showed no effect of agentic or communal traits on hireability. Results also showed no interaction effect of the gender of the candidate on the relation between traits and hireability. A partial mediation effect of person-job fit on perceived traits and hireability was found. In terms of practical application, it is important for hiring managers to be aware of the possible bias that may persist, even when using ‘bias reducing’ AI software.