Management selection by executive recruitment consultancies: A survey and explanation of selection methods

Timothy Adrian Robert CLARK, Singapore Management University

Abstract

Differs from previous studies of managerial selection methods. Focuses wholly on the activities of external executive recruitment consultancies. Results are presented from two major surveys on the use of selection methods by such consultancies: in general they use low validity techniques, primarily unstructured interviews and references. Low validity selection methods may be used because validity is not the primary “evaluative standard”. Suggests five alternative “evaluative standards”.