Why post a job if it’s not available? Should be a crime and the punishment is a job opening for the idiot that posted its job.
The incentive of this system is that it keeps the workforce intimidated and in a state of confusion. When applications are constantly rejected or ignored, the prospective new hire who does get a job offer will believe themselves fortunate and will be willing to settle for less. Much less.
"Ghost job" postings result in lower wages and salaries for real jobs.
That is why postings for as many as 50% of all advertised jobs never result in a hiring action.
Organizations always respond to incentives, even without conscious deliberation from the evil HR department or the pointy-haired boss.