“Do I Want to Work for Him” The Effects of Variations in Content, Source, and Age of Managers’ Social Networking Information on Prospective Job Applicants’ Attitudes

Abstract

Does personal social networking website (SNW) content influence prospective job applicant reactions to their probable supervisor? A 2 × 2 × 2 design varied whether: 1) the prospective manager's SNW comments emphasised alcohol abuse vs. professional activities; 2) his friends emphasised alcohol vs. professional activities; 3) SNW information was five days vs. five years old. Findings indicated that alcohol-oriented information on personal SNWs - whether posted by the manager or by the manager's friends - negatively affected attitudes toward the manager. Information posted by the manager's friends had little impact on a willingness to apply or interview for the position. However, alcohol-oriented information posted by the manager decreased prospective applicants' willingness to interview for the position; they also wanted a higher salary to work for such a manager. Congruence of information only had effects if both the manager and friends emphasised professionalism. Age of website information had little effect on ratings.