an evaluation of the recruitment and selection policy and practice in ...

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to evaluate the current recruitment and selectionpolicy of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) and to determinewhether the recruitment and selection practices comply therewith. To establishwhether the policy enhances DWAF’s objective to improve its service delivery, acontent analysis of the recruitment and selection policy was executed. Todetermine whether the recruitment and selection practices comply with thewritten and accepted policy a questionnaire was designed based on theprovisions of the policy and best practices. The questionnaire was personallydelivered to 50 potential respondents, of which 35 completed it. The completedquestionnaires were processed and analysed using Microsoft Excel 2000.The policy was found to be well researched, comprehensive and efficient toDWAF’s missions and objectives. It however showed signs that indicate thedanger of being applied inconsistently. Clarity in terms of procedural sequenceand conditions for use eluded some policy provisions, making it acceptable toassume and base decisions on the users discretion. Trained human resourcemanagers guide recruitment and selection practices.The study concluded that the policy was being implemented: the recruitment andselection practices within DWAF complied with its accepted policy. There arestandardisation on advertising as recruitment method, and interviewing asselection method. The recruitment and selection activities that are not mentionedwithin the recruitment and selection policy are done at the line manager andhuman resource manager’s discretion - this is found to be inconsistent andpotentially dangerous to the process.DWAF employs recruitment and selection as tool to enhance performancemanagement and effective service delivery. Recommendations are made toassist DWAF in its quest to achieve maximum return on investment from itshuman capital.ii