Impact of Political Influence in Recruitment and Selection Practice; Evidence from Maldives Civil Servants

Abstract

Orientation: In developed countries, organizations struggle with staffing challenges and become highly competitive regardless of the increasing number of college graduates. Also, the process of staffing inherent in any organizational performance. There are allegations in the Maldivian Civil Servants that recruitment and selection process is being manipulated by political influence, and employees are hired based on Political Appointee’s preference rather than hiring a competent employee.

Research Purpose: The purpose of the study is to analyze how political factors impact the recruitment and selection practices of the Civil Service Organization in the Maldives.

Motivation for the Study: The study determines the allegations drawn from the responses of the study.

Research Design: The quantitative research and Stratified Probability sampling method used in the study. The adopted questionnaire was used to collect data from individual employees in the Civil Service in the Maldives. The pilot study evaluates the reliability analysis and feasibility of implementing a study on larger scale and analyzes factors affecting recruitment and selection practices on the performance of the Civil Service in the Maldives.

Main Findings: As shown from the outcome of the analysis, the results indicate that sometimes leaders use their power to influence the recruitment and selection practice by recruiting, family members and friends in the Civil Service organization. From the reliability analysis of the study Cronbach's Alpha value <0.728 was significant to research the broad aspect. The descriptive and inferential analysis revealed that political influence does impact recruitment and selection practices Even though, the respondents believe that recruitment process is based on Merit-Base System, the service delivered by Civil  Servants deemed inefficient.

Practical/Management Implications: The study highlights the fact; HR leaders, Practitioners, HR team, and Policy Makers of Maldives Civil Service Organization need to make fair recruitment and selection decisions to sustain the service quality. If the organization has fair and better recruitment and selection practices employees will be more satisfied to deliver efficient service.

Contribution/Value Add: The finding from this study contributes new understanding to current literature and lays the groundwork for future research on the Civil Service Sector.