The Role Of Character In The Hiring Process: A Pilot Study Survey Of College Seniors Potential Employers

Abstract

We surveyed 31 prospective employers (65% response rate) regarding their views on character as part of the employment selection process. The results showed character qualities superordinate, relative to skills that prospective employees bring to potential jobs. We discuss survey results in light of business educators responsibility for helping students to internalize ethical decision-making. Although the results show employers making few company changes due to the medias attention on corporate scandals, respondents express that the pool of applicants with strong character is shrinking. They expect that character training will occur prior to employment in a variety of milieuincluding higher education.