An exploration of applicant perceptions of asynchronous video MMIs in medical selection

Over the last two decades, technological advancements internationally have meant that the Internet has become an important medium for recruitment and selection. Consequently, there is an increased need for research that examines the effectiveness of newer technology-mediated selection methods. This exploratory research study qualitatively explored applicant perceptions of fairness of asynchronous video interviews used in medical selection. Ten undergraduate medical students participated in a pilot asynchronous multiple-mini interview and were invited to share their experiences and perceptions in a follow-up interview. The data was transcribed verbatim and analysed using template analysis, with Gilliland’s (1993) organisational justice theory guiding the original template. Many of the original themes from Gilliland’s model were uncovered during analysis. Additionally, some significant themes were identified that did not form part of the original template and were therefore added to the final coding template – these were specifically relating to technology, including acceptability in a medical context; technical issues and adverse impact. Overall, results suggested that participants perceived asynchronous video interviews to be a fair method of selection. However, participants thought asynchronous interviews should only be used as part of an extensive selection process and furthermore, should not replace face-to-face interviews. Findings are discussed in line with existing research of fairness perceptions and justice theory in selection (Gilliland, 1993) and implications for research and practice are presented