Leveraging Social Media Analytics for Strategic Human Resource Management: An Empirical Study on Recruitment and Selection Effectiveness in the IT Sector

Abstract

This empirical study investigates the role of social media analytics (SMA) in enhancing strategic human resource management (SHRM) within India’s IT sector, focusing on recruitment and selection effectiveness. Using a mixed-method approach surveying 100 HR professionals and conducting semi-structured interviews the research examines how SMA adoption influences recruitment efficiency, employer branding, and candidate quality. Findings reveal a strong positive correlation (R² = 0.71) between SMA usage and improved hiring outcomes, including a 30% reduction in time-to-hire and higher candidate fit rates. However, challenges such as algorithmic bias and ethical concerns underscore the need for balanced, human-centric approaches. The study contributes to HR analytics literature by validating SMA’s strategic value while advocating for ethical frameworks and skill development in data-driven recruitment. Practical recommendations include investing in AI-powered tools, training HR teams in analytics interpretation, and maintaining transparency in candidate data usage.