Understanding Hospitality Employers’ Perceptions of Preemployment Testing in Determining Successful Hires

Abstract

ABSTRACT The main objectives of this research were to investigate traits that hospitality managers use to define successful hires and the role of preemployment testing methods in determining successful hires. Analysis of one-on-one interviews conducted with hospitality managers in Ohio identified interpersonal behavior and guest-service attitude as most important attributes of successful hires. While background checking and drug testing were perceived to be effective for all employees, personality and general mental ability (GMA) tests were viewed as more effective when screening management employees. Differences were noted in time needed to determine whether hires were successful for frontline versus management positions. Managerial implications are discussed.