Does social class impact the recruitment process? : a study on one of the state-owned enterprises in the Maldives / Aishath Shara

Abstract

Purpose: the purpose of this study is to study the perception of Maldivians towards the existence of Social Class and to find whether it exists in the perception of the Maldivians. Also, to study whether social class impacts the recruitment process in the selected SOE for this study. And finally provide recommendation on how to manage/mitigate the impact of social class on recruitment process.
Methodology: This research opts for an Interpretivism approach with a qualitative research method. This research was designed to be carried out as an exploratory study with interviews to find the perception of Maldivians towards social class and its impact on the recruitment process. To obtain valid & reliable information regarding the factors that impact the recruitment process, a sample is taken from the staff actively involved in the recruitment process of the selected SOE.
Key findings: the finding from the research revealed that social class is a contributing factor in the recruitment process of the selected SOE. The impact of social class on recruitment is caused through internal and external factors. However the findings also revealed that the impact is only visible in recruiting for the top/senior level positions.
Limitations: Obtaining information related to the study was a challenge as most of the participants were hesitant in providing information which were both confidential and sensitive in nature. Another prominent limitation in the study was the sample size. As the SOE selected for the research operates country wide, selecting a sample was challenging and had to opt for the head office located in the capital city Male' alone.