Human Resources Management Professionals' Experience with Online Degree Holders in Recruitment
Human Resources Management Professionals' Experience with Online Degree Holders in Recruitment by Dominic Isaac MSc, Liverpool University, 2016 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Management Walden University August 2019 Abstract Online degree holders in Nigeria have poor acceptability during recruitment and promotion decisions because of reliability and legality perceptions of online degrees. There is little knowledge about how human resource (HR) managers identify employability skills in online degree holders. Guided by Bills's screening conceptual framework, the purpose of this case study was to explore how Nigerian recruiters identify employability skills in online degree holders. The participants for this study consisted of 2 participants from each of 10 sectors covering the government and nongovernmental organizations; participants had at least 5 years' experience in working with online degree holders. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 20 participants. Yin's 5 step data analysis process was used with triangulation and member checking to analyze the findings. The findings of this research indicate that, contrary to earlier suggestions of low rating and poor acceptability of online degrees, HR experts in Nigeria have a high regard for the employability skills in online degree holders. The study produced 4 major findings: the possession of relevant skills by online degree holders, degree type does not form the determinant factor in recruitment, discovery strategies, and going beyond mere perception. The findings of this study may bring about positive social change toward policy changes in Nigeria regarding the adoption of online education. The results of the study can lead to positive recommendations for online degree holders, seekers of online degrees, online higher institutions, employers, and public policy makers.Online degree holders in Nigeria have poor acceptability during recruitment and promotion decisions because of reliability and legality perceptions of online degrees. There is little knowledge about how human resource (HR) managers identify employability skills in online degree holders. Guided by Bills's screening conceptual framework, the purpose of this case study was to explore how Nigerian recruiters identify employability skills in online degree holders. The participants for this study consisted of 2 participants from each of 10 sectors covering the government and nongovernmental organizations; participants had at least 5 years' experience in working with online degree holders. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 20 participants. Yin's 5 step data analysis process was used with triangulation and member checking to analyze the findings. The findings of this research indicate that, contrary to earlier suggestions of low rating and poor acceptability of online degrees, HR experts in Nigeria have a high regard for the employability skills in online degree holders. The study produced 4 major findings: the possession of relevant skills by online degree holders, degree type does not form the determinant factor in recruitment, discovery strategies, and going beyond mere perception. The findings of this study may bring about positive social change toward policy changes in Nigeria regarding the adoption of online education. The results of the study can lead to positive recommendations for online degree holders, seekers of online degrees, online higher institutions, employers, and public policy makers. Human Resources Management Professionals' Experience with Online Degree Holders in Recruitment by Dominic Isaac MSc, Liverpool University, 2016 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Management Walden University August 2019 Dedication I dedicate this doctoral program to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ whose grace and mercy brought me into his love. I dedicate the doctoral degree to my dear wife Mrs. Rebecca Isaac (Da Ree) who suffered 7 years of deprivation while I pursued online master's and PhD. I appreciate your love and labor toward me and the entire family. I dedicate this work to my children, John and Grace, who gave me strength and courage to move on. To my mother (Da Lydia) my siblings Sister Olivia, Alberto, Felicia, Ann, Austine, and Amarachi, I say thank you for all your support and for cheering me up to the finishing line. To my leaders and church members whose lives encourage me, I dedicate this degree to you all. Acknowledgments My erudite and wonderful Chair Dr. Howard B. Schechter, I want to say a big thank you to you. You took me as your younger brother and went beyond academics to teach me the beauties of the life of focus, commitment and dedication. Your support cannot be quantified, and I am grateful for being there for me all through this journey. My committee member, Dr. Carol Wells, I want to appreciate you especially for caring about me and my progress. You always checked up on me when my progress was slowed down, and you made me to move forward. My URR, Dr. Daphne Halkias, you are an amazing soul whose speed of feedback was extraordinary. Your style has left a deep positive impression upon me and I am grateful. I am indebted to all Walden University faculty members and the program director Dr Sandy Kolberg, and as well as Kasia and the student academic advisory team. Thank you to you all. I want to thank all Walden University scholars who made great contributions towards my academic progress. A special thanks goes to all my in laws for their love and support. Thank you everyone.