Read the Case Study and answer the following questions

Improving Selection in Smaller Companies

The cost of making bad decisions when selecting new employees is leading employers of all sizes to review their selection processes. Some smaller companies have taken specific steps to improve their selection practices.

Jellyvision, a firm that develops computer games, requires applicants to go through an audition process. The purpose of the audition is to ensure that applicants understand the culture of the firm and what is required to succeed. Applicants for jobs using writing skills sometimes complete 50 page written exercises. Prior to being hired, even the HR Director had to complete a take-home HR test that required 15 hours, in order to make sure she could handle the work demands and expectations of senior managers at Jellyvision.

At City Garage, a Texas-based auto service chain with 200 employees, selection traditionally was handled by individual store managers who administered a paper-and-pencil test and conducted one interview. But high turnover rates made it clear that a new selection process was needed. Therefore, the firm changed to a process using an application, followed by a background check. Then individuals still seen as viable candidates take a ten-minute on-line test that focuses on personality characteristics such as dominance, influence, steadiness and compliance. Answers on the test are analysed and then interviews are conducted that focus on work capabilities and personality issues such as conflict, lack of patience and others. Finally, those applicants still considered for employment several days later go through an all-day series of interviews with several levels of managers. Even though this extensive process may appear costly and time-consuming, the firm reports lower turnover and fewer problems with new employees as a result.

Questions

1. Discuss the advantages of the selection efforts used in these two firms

2. What would be some drawback in using these processes, especially in larger firms?