| Internet-based selection procedures are becoming prevalent among organizations due to the speed and efficiency allowed by using this methodology to select job applicants. Unfortunately, previous studies have indicated that there are discrepancies in Internet usage and access across various demographic groups which could potentially impact the likelihood that disadvantaged individuals will apply for a job requiring Internet use. For this reason, this study investigated the impact of decreased Internet access on applicant decisions to apply for a job online. Additional aims of this study were to apply a theoretical framework to help explain how Internet access could impact decisions to apply online, and to determine whether training interventions could be used to enhance the attitudes and self-efficacy of individuals who would otherwise have negative perceptions of using computers and the Internet. Job seekers were recruited from employment centers and a job fair and asked to complete a brief survey measuring Internet and computer access, experience, attitudes, self-efficacy, and intentions to use computers and the Internet to apply for a job in the near future. Participants were also asked to indicate the likelihood that they would apply for a job online. Chi-square analyses revealed that Internet and computer access differ between races (Blacks and Hispanics vs. Caucasians and Asians). Group comparisons were conducted between treatment and control groups and indicated that brief training interventions improve computer and Internet attitudes but not self-efficacy. Additionally, relationships between access, experience, attitudes, self-efficacy, intentions, and the ultimate decision to apply online suggest that Fishbein and Ajzen's Theory of Reasoned action is a suitable framework for explaining the path from Internet and computer access to a jobseeker's decision to use the Internet to apply for a job. Practical and theoretical implications for the findings of this study are discussed. |
