The effects of candidates’ negative attitudes toward cybervetting on organizational attractiveness: the role of gender

Purpose This study aims to investigate the effects of candidates' perceptions of cybervetting – the evaluation of social media profiles by employers – on the perceived attractiveness and prestige of organizations and the role of gender as a moderator in these relationships. Three perceptions – perceived injustice, privacy invasion and surface validity – are used to evaluate candidates' attitudes about cybervetting. Design/methodology/approach The sample is comprised of third- and fourth-year undergraduate students at a university in Ankara, Türkiye. A survey technique was used to collect research data. The survey form was prepared on an online platform. Findings Survey results revealed that negative perceptions of cybervetting significantly affected perceived organizational attractiveness, prestige and intention to pursue the organization. Still, no significant difference was found between the women and men groups in this effect. Men candidates are more concerned about the validity and fairness of cybervetting. Originality/value The research's findings are anticipated to shed significant light on how cybervetting is conceptualized, specifically whether feelings of injustice, privacy invasion and validity constitute core components of cybervetting. Besides, the findings are expected to reveal whether candidates' attitudes toward cybervetting affect their perceptions regarding the general attractiveness and prestige of the organizations.