The research-practice gap in selection

The selection process is at the sharp end of human resource management which determines those who are going to work together to achieve the organisation’s objectives. There is competition for and shortages of talented employees which is important to graduate selection. Additionally, there has been research into the gap between academic research and the human resources practices adopted by organisations: the largest gap being in recruitment and selection. There is limited Australian research in selection techniques that is primarily quantitative research. To address this aspect, this paper provides results of preliminary qualitative research into the current Australian graduate selection practices and the reasons for the choice of practices. It provides implication for HR professionals, academics and researchers.