The Role of Social Capital in the Search for a Job : A qualitative study investigating “the hidden job market” on Sørlandet

2018

Master's thesis Business Administration BE501 - University of Agder 2018 Social capital and its effect on the job market has become an important aspect of how we view the job searching process. Much research on social capital in the job search stems from large generalizable surveys, meaning that little is known about the motives and insights of those responsible for employment. This thesis presents a qualitative study of how recruiters and employers in Norway view the use and potential benefits of using a social network when searching for a job. This study focuses on how referred applicants may have an advantage over the formal applicant and investigates the myth on Sørlandet regarding its …