Final answer:
Background checks are performed by a specialized HR unit within the human resources department. These units play a key role in the recruitment process, ensuring that candidates meet the required standards while potentially reducing hiring biases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Background checks are typically conducted by a specific HR unit that is part of a company's human resources department. This unit specializes in vetting potential employees by reviewing their work history, education, criminal record, credit history, and more. It is essential in ensuring that the hiring process is thorough and that new hires meet the company's standards for employment.
Having a dedicated team or professionals within the HR department for background checks can be especially important in large organizations. These companies may invest more resources into their recruitment processes, which can lead to a more professional HR strategy, capable of handling a diverse range of candidates and potentially reducing bias in hiring decisions. As seen in research from Canada, more professionalized HR functions are linked to lower levels of discrimination against candidates with minority-sounding names.