Unequal Selection Processes

In addition to considering differing organizational needs in hiring internal and external executives, selectors receive information from different sources when evaluating the two kinds of candidates, resulting in divergent selection processes. Although some of the same tools—interviews, résumés, and references—are used for both types of candidates, selection committees rely more heavily on these tools in evaluating outside candidates. They are also more likely to use search firms to cull information on external candidates, whereas in considering internal candidates they tend to lean more heavily on performance appraisals, succession plans, and feedback from subordinates.

Because external candidates can more easily ...

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