Strategies for Hiring Managers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields

Strategies for Hiring Managers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields by Elizabeth D. Williams MBA, University of Phoenix, 2009 MA, Queens College, 2004 BBA, Bernard M. Baruch College, 1998 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University April 2018 Abstract One-third of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) jobs are unfilled, resulting in less revenue for companies. The purpose of this qualitative single case study, grounded in the human capital theory, was to explore strategies that 2 hiring managers used to recruit STEM professionals in an organization in central Virginia. DataOne-third of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) jobs are unfilled, resulting in less revenue for companies. The purpose of this qualitative single case study, grounded in the human capital theory, was to explore strategies that 2 hiring managers used to recruit STEM professionals in an organization in central Virginia. Data were collected from semistructured interviews, member checking, and company documents on STEM recruitment. The 4 themes that emerged from the data, analyzed using Yin’s 5-step process, were as follows: partnerships with state government and local colleges, leadership and employee development programs used as recruitment incentives, competitive compensation package and work-life balance to entice new hires, and meticulous investigation, evaluation, and trial periods. The findings of this study could provide hiring managers with strategies to improve recruitment of skilled STEM professionals. The implications for positive social change could include a reduction in employee turnover, a decrease in employee recruiting costs, an increase in employee retention, more motivated and engaged employees, and an increase in employee production, all of which could increase profits and positively influence the company and the health of the community. Strategies for Hiring Managers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields by Elizabeth D. Williams MBA, University of Phoenix, 2009 MA, Queens College, 2004 BBA, Bernard M. Baruch College, 1998 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University April 2018 Dedication I dedicate this degree to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Give thanks to the Lord (Psalm 138). To my mother, Dorsey, thank for your unconditional love, never-ending support, staying up late to keep me company while I worked on my study. You have always been there for me, my mom, my friend, my rock, words can not express my gratitude for your love and sacrifices. To my loving and gifted daughter Courtney, thank you for your love, support, sense of humor, sacrifices, and encouragement. Live your passion and dream big and always remember there are no limits to what you can achieve. To my brother, Januarie, thanks for being positive and making me laugh when there were days I wanted to cry. Thank you for your love and encouragement. To my entire family and friends, thanks for the love, prayers, and support. I am forever grateful to each of you for helping me achieve my dream of completing this journey. I dedicate this degree to all the scholars trying to complete a degree program. It is not easy, but it is worth it, so push harder and keep swimming, you can make it. Lastly, I dedicate this work to the memory of my father, Theodore for stressing the importance of education and Ernestine Rouse aka Mama Tine for stressing the importance of faith and the power of prayers. These lessons I hold dear and will cherish forever. Acknowledgments I acknowledge my chair, Dr. Lisa Kangas. I consider myself extremely blessed to have Dr. Kangas as my chair. You are heaven sent. Your vision, guidance, commitment, encouragement made it possible for me to complete this study. I am forever grateful and indebted to you. I would not be at this stage without your never-ending support. I would also like to thank Dr. Corey and Dr. Dereshiwsky for their guidance and feedback to aid in the completion of the research study. I want to thank Dr. Cheryl Founchious Brown for your support and your willingness to help your peers accomplish their goals. You are an inspiration. I am so proud of you and glad we are friends. I want to acknowledge my doctoral family, Dr. Toliver, Dr. Martin, Dr. Smith, Ms. Seydi and Ms. Jackson for their willingness to help each other complete this journey.