5-29. Traditionally, hiring decisions were primarily based on the extent to which an applicant’s qualifications fit the job. In other words, the focus has been on hiring the person who, based on information collected through the selection process, was expected to best perform the job. To what extent do you think an applicant’s fit with the social responsibility commitments of the organization should be considered? If, for example, person/organization fit is to be considered in the selection process, should this fit assessment be given weight equal to expected job performance? Or, should fit be given less weight or somehow taken into account in another way in the selection process?

5-30. What steps would you take to make sure that potential applicants are aware of the social responsibility commitments of your organization? That is, what would you recommend be done to make social responsibility part of the employer brand for the organization?

5-31. Social responsibility can be helpful in recruiting job applicants. However, the better the fit between individuals and the organization’s social responsibility commitments, the more this should result in more motivated, loyal, and higher performing workers. How would you assess this degree of fit? Do you think it is important to make this fit assessment, or is it sufficient to simply assume that people who chose to apply must share a commitment to the organization’s social responsibility efforts?

5-32. You may have management colleagues who think that social responsibility isn’t an important issue for organizations and, therefore, it shouldn’t play a role in employee recruitment and selection. The issue, as they see it, might be summarized as, “It’s all about doing the job and making money.” As a team, what arguments could you offer that might convince these colleagues of the usefulness of social responsibility? Share your arguments with the rest of the class.

5-33. With your teammates, look at some of the online job-opening announcements. Consider at least a dozen ads and summarize those that include a description of social responsibility commitments or activities. What social responsibility aspects are highlighted? Do you think the ads that include social responsibility information are more effective?

5-34. Consider your own interests and values. What is important to you and in what do you find meaning or purpose? Given this reflection, what type of social responsibility activities would most appeal to you?

a. How important is it to you to have a positive social impact through your work?

b. Given the above considerations, can you identify employers that look like they would be a good person/organization fit for you?