SIMPLIFIED SMART-SELECT METHOD FOR RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION IN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES (SMES)
Strategic People Management; Selection and Recruitment;Human Resources; Remote Selection Process.
Recruitment and selection (R&S) processes have gone through different phases in the
evolution of people management over time. At the beginning of the 20th century,
empirical and informal practices predominated, strongly influenced by the Taylorist
model and focused solely on productivity. From the 1950s onwards, with the
advancement of Organizational Psychology and the use of psychometric tests, more
structured techniques for candidate evaluation emerged. In the 1980s, the
strengthening of strategic management brought greater emphasis on competencies
aligned with business objectives. In the 2000s, with the advancement of technology,
computerized systems began to support screening and call processes. From 2010
onwards, digital platforms and videoconference interviews became consolidated. In
small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), however, R&S processes still largely
occurred in an unstructured manner, with strong dependence on referrals and limited
use of objective criteria, which undermined the attraction and retention of qualified
talent. In light of this scenario, this study aimed to propose an innovative method to
optimize recruitment and selection procedures in SMEs, especially in the stages of
screening, invitation, and interviews. The methodology was developed in four stages,
grounded in the Design Science Research (DSR) method, and supported by
management tools such as the Ishikawa diagram and the Canvas.The result of this
process was the creation of a simplified method that incorporates organizational
analysis resources and support technologies, including artificial intelligence, with the
aim of improving the selection process. The method was validated through the
application of a focus group, carried out in two rounds with field experts, whose
contributions enabled adjustments and refinements. The validation results
demonstrated the acceptability and relevance of the proposal, indicating that its
implementation may reduce errors, optimize decision-making, increase recruitment
agility, and contribute to the continuous development of employees. Thus, the research
presents an innovative methodology aligned with the contemporary challenges faced
by SMEs in the field of recruitment and selection.