AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF JOB GHOSTING ON CANDIDATES' WELL-BEING AND EMPLOYER BRANDING IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

1. Introduction Job ghosting—the abrupt cessation of communication by employers during the selection process—has become a critical issue in the Sri Lankan job market. According to a preliminary survey of 20 participants, 81.3% of rejected candidates reported experiencing ghosting. The effects of ghosting in employment are nuanced, with international research revealing varied outcomes. However, the Sri Lankan context remains underexplored. Hence, this study explores the multifaceted impacts of job ghosting on candidates' well-being—psychological, physical, and social—and employer branding. 2. Research Methodology Using an interpretivist philosophy and qualitative approach with purposive sampling, thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted over six weeks. Job seekers who had experienced ghosting at least once narrated their experiences. Thematic analysis was applied to analyze the data. 3. Findings and Discussion Findings indicate that job ghosting negatively impacts mental well-being, leading to emotional and psychological impacts, cognitive strain, loss of clarity, loss of confidence and motivation, and the emergence of new mental patterns. It also affects physical well-being, causing disruptions in health, altered activities, and the development of new physical habits for coping. Social well-being is impacted by deteriorating social connections and shifted dynamics. From the employer branding perspective, ghosting results in a decline in the employer’s brand perception, loss of credibility, shrinking talent networks, and evolving candidate preferences. 4. Conclusion and Implications The study concludes that job ghosting affects candidates' well-being and employer branding. This research adds insights to the Sri Lankan context and emphasizes the urgent need for employers to adopt transparent communication strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of job ghosting and to protect candidate well-being and brand reputation.