Signaling theory and applicant attraction outcomes

TLDR

The paper aims to apply a multi‑level perspective to signaling theory in recruitment and to integrate signaling theory with social identity theory to better explain how recruitment activities influence applicant attraction. The authors conduct a literature review and synthesize signaling theory, multi‑level theory, and social identity theory to propose a theoretical model and research propositions for recruitment contexts. The review reveals that boundary conditions linking recruitment activities to applicant attraction are poorly understood, suggesting that deeper insight can help managers design recruitment processes to enhance applicant attraction.

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, to discuss the application of a multi‐level perspective to signaling theory in a recruitment context. Then to discuss how the integration of signaling theory and the social identity approach may provide an improved understanding of the associations between an organization's recruitment activities and applicant attraction outcomes. The paper, first, summarizes the existing research and theoretical developments pertaining to signaling theory, multi‐level theory, and the social identity approach. From this literature a theoretical model from which research propositions are developed is suggested. Design/methodology/approach This is a literature review, within recruitment contexts, on signaling theory, the association between market signals and applicant attraction outcomes, and the integration of signaling, social identity, and self‐categorization theories as a theoretical foundation for research propositions. Findings Despite widespread acceptance of signaling theory in recruitment research, surprisingly little is known about the boundary conditions in the association between an organization's recruitment activities and applicant attraction outcomes. Practical implications A greater understanding of the application of signaling theory will enable managers to design and administer recruitment activities and processes in order to improve applicant attraction to recruiting organizations. Originality/value This paper fills a void in the recruitment literature by integrating signaling theory, social identity theory, and self‐categorization theory and providing avenues for future work.