Pre-employment testing practices in the hospitality industry in the U.S. and Australia

Abstract

Abstract Research shows utilizing pre-employment tests leads to improved job performance and satisfaction, and decreased turnover in hospitality industry. However, employers have been slow to embrace pre-employment testing due to concerns regarding validity, potential for discrimination, and heavy administration costs. Using focus groups, this study examined hospitality hiring managers’ perceptions of pre-employment testing’s value, barriers to adoption, and the relationship between testing, organizational commitment, and job performance in both the United States and Australia. Results showed opposing viewpoints between participants. Research results may enable hiring managers to justify the implementation of pre-employment testing, select which tests to use, and revise current assessment practices.