Exploring perceptions of online education by human resource professionals in Northeast Wisconsin

With the growing availability of online education in the higher learning environment, the ranks of job applicants possessing online degrees continue to expand. Numerous studies have demonstrated that online education develops comparable levels of effectiveness and preparedness as the traditional learning environment (Dodd, 2001; Neuhauser, 2002; Tucker, 2001). However, other research has illustrated that some populations, such as human resource professionals, did not perceive online education with the same level of worth or prestige as traditional programs (Vogt, 2006). If those responsible for the hiring function did not value online degrees with the same level of merit as traditional degrees, the true value of online degrees for those pursuing education as a means of gaining employment may be lessened. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive research was to examine the perceptions of human resource professionals in the Northeast Wisconsin area toward online education and those who possessed an online degree. A survey was distributed to a convenience sample group of human resource professionals and collected data describing the population's age, educational experiences, and organizational backgrounds. Utilizing a four point Likert scale, the survey examined the participant's perceptions toward the online learning environment and those pursuing online degrees. Qualitative comments expanding on participant perceptions were also collected through the survey instrument as well as a voluntary follow-up telephone interview. Research results demonstrated that the majority of human resource professionals in the Northeast Wisconsin area held perceptions that preferred applicants with traditional learning background to those who possessed online learning backgrounds.