Controlling the Turnover Problem: The Use of the Realistic Job Preview “Experience”

Abstract

Faced with the paradoxical relationship between a tight labor market and a high turnover rate, one potential solution is the realistic job preview (RJP). The RJP occurs when an organization makes sure that a potential employee receives a total picture of what is involved once hired by the organization. Although many organizations use what might be considered realistic job previews, they all do not go by the name RJP. The RJP usually involves presenting an overview of the job. Such an overview is usually conveyed by way of a third party, through a verbal presentation, an audio or video tape, or described in print.

This paper focuses on a hybrid of the RJP where the applicants are asked to a sample of the job they will perform if hired. This variation of the RJP might be considered a realistic job preview experience (RJPE). Where as the RJP has been frequently discussed, there is very little known concerning the RJPE. Unlike the RJP, the RJPE, first, provides an opportunity for the organization to assess the Individual's potential or aptitude for the position. Second, it provides the applicant with a realistic preview of the job, first hand. The present paper will provide a survey of various organizational efforts at creating RJPEs and the development of a framework for the analysis of these various approaches. Recommendations will be made to organizations interested in creating such a preview.