Final answer:
The primary purpose of attracting a large pool of applicants is to enable organizations to select the best candidates, ensuring they have a competent workforce while also benefiting from diversity's contribution to innovation and a positive work environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of attracting large quantities of applicants is primarily centered around the ability of an organization to have a broad selection of candidates. This ensures the organization can choose the best candidates who are most likely to contribute to its success and competitiveness. While critics argue that affirmative action policies can divert focus from merit-based selection, the aim is to marry the principle of selecting qualified individuals with the enrichment that diversity brings to an institution. A diverse workforce is recognized to foster new perspectives and a positive work environment, which can be crucial for innovation and growth.
Additionally, attracting a large pool of applicants can provide invaluable signals of a candidate's likely performance, such as educational background, awards, or high grades, which can help balance the asymmetric information between employer and employee before hiring. Organizations may also opt for professional human resources strategies to mitigate bias and ensure a fair selection process. Ultimately, the goal is to strengthen the organization's capability through a robust recruitment process.