Auditing recruitment and selection using generic benchmarking: a case study

This article provides an account of an audit on the recruitment and selection systems and procedures in place within a printing company based in the West Midlands (England). A human resource audit (HRA) of generic benchmarks was developed from a literature review. The audit subsequently was applied to establish the current position of the company in the areas of recruitment and selection. The empirical investigation process primarily consisted of content analysis of documents and the interviewing of 13 staff within the company. As a result of the audit, the recruitment and selection processes, systems and procedures were identified as ineffective. Consequently, an action plan was developed as part of a quality improvement process and preparation for Investors in People Award. As a result of the implementation of the recommendations, the culture of the company and the staff should become more focused, systematic and of a higher quality.