ASSESSMENT OF RECRUITMENT AND SSELECTION PRACTICES AT ADDIS ABABA WATER AND SEWERAGE AUTHORITY (AAWSA)

Abstract

Recruitment and selection is the process of attracting individuals on a timely basis, in sufficient number and with appropriate qualifications (Walker, 2009).The research focuses on practices of employee recruitment and selection at Addis Ababa Water and Sewerage authority (AAWSA). The objectives of the study includes identifying the existing recruitment and selection practices adopted by AAWSA, source of recruitment and selection used by the authority, problems faced associated with the recruitment and selection process and identifying factors that will improve recruitment and selection process in AAWSA. The design of the study was a descriptive study. Quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis were used to analyze and interpret the collected data. The target population of the study was employees of AAWSA who work at the head office. There are 240 employees who work in different departments, among them 150 respondents was taken as a sample. A simple random sampling technique was used to select respondents from the various departments with the exception of human resource department and management bodies. Purposive sampling methods were also used for respondents who deal directly with recruitment and selection practices. The data were gathered using questionnaire and interview methods. Questionnaires were distributed to 150 employees of AAWSA at the head office where all were filled and returned. Interview was alsoconducted with HR staff and management members of the authority. The data obtained through questionnaire were analyzed using frequency and percentage. The findings of the study shows that there is a considerable variation between the accepted practice of HRM and the recruitment and selection Practice and policy of AAWSA with regard to proper implementation of HR planning. The authority also fails to use employee performance as one of the selection criteria for transfer and promotion. More over the authority fails to provide detailed job description to its employee. Thus, the authority needs to make further analysis of its recruitment and selection practices.