A survey of e-recruitment practices among commercial banks in Kenya

Abstract

E-recruitment is the use of internet-enabled methodologies to hire employees. Otherwise known as online recruitment, e-recruitment is fast replacing the traditional methods of recruitment in the developed world. In Kenya, little seems to be known about it. This study surveyed the extent of use of e-recruitment practices in the banking sector, arguably the most computerized sector in Kenya.

This study had two objectives; a) To establish the extent to which e-recruitment practices are being used by commercial banks in Kenya. b) To find out the factors that hinder the adoption of e-recruitment practices in the commercial banking sector in Kenya.

Data was collected in Nairobi in August 2003. The population of all the banks was considered for the survey, although only thirty responded. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables. Seven hypotheses related to the study were formulated and tested.

As computerized as they were found to be, it was established that the extent of use of e-recruitment practices in the commercial banking sector in Kenya was almost insignificant, with perhaps use of e-mail to contact candidates the only one extensively utilized. Cost of Internet connection and software, lack of personnel and ignorance were some of the major factors cited as hindering the adoption of e-recruitment.