How do Managers Regard Job Applicants with Online Degrees? Evidence from Turkey

Abstract

—This study addresses the debate on whether job applicants with online bachelor degrees would be perceived to be equals of those with traditional bachelor degrees; and whether the nature of the degree has an impact on the hiring decision of managers. We focus on bachelor's degrees earned on line due to the fact that hybrid education is not being delivered prevalently. In this respect, data were gathered from 20 managers working in various sectors who have an impact on the hiring process of job applicants. Findings indicate gatekeepers prefer applicants with traditional degrees. Besides factors associated with the preference of traditional degrees are found to be in line with previous research findings. Education quality, gain of competencies, development of communication skills, personal growth and the importance of student-instructor interaction were mostly repeated factors associated with the preference of traditional university degrees. Implications for future research are discussed in line with suggestions to overcome negative perceptions towards distance education.