Abstract
This paper demonstrates that the positiveness and negativeness of letters of acceptance and rejection from companies have an impact on company image, self-concept of recipient, and reported future intentions of potential recruits. The implication for employers writing letters of acceptance and rejection is that they should communicate with prospective recruits in a positive manner no matter what the letter's message. Positive rejection letters can mitigate effects of rejection and negative acceptance letters can impair the positiveness of acceptance.
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This research was partially supported by Grant #82037 from the Purdue Agricultural Research Station. Reprints should be addressed to Dr. Richard Feinberg, Department of Consumer Sciences and Retailing, Purdue University, 1262 Matthews Hall, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1262.
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Feinberg, R.A., Meoli-Stanton, J. & Gable, M. Employment rejection and acceptance letters and their unintended consequences on image, self-concept, and intentions. J Bus Psychol 11, 63–71 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02278256
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02278256