Is it ethical to use search techniques to create discontent?
This is a really interesting area of discussion and one of the ethical issues faced by a search business. In theory the whole essence of a search firm is to maximise the value of human capital of the client organisation and to meet the career needs of the candidate. In fulfilling that expectation somebody may well get hurt; for instance, a market competitor that loses a top executive, or an executive candidate who may disadvantage themselves by moving when they should have stayed put – or an executive who is approached, motivated to move and is then unsuccessful in securing the role. However, individuals that are happy, content, and enjoying their work can’t easily be convinced to leave their jobs unless there are some mitigating circumstances. The best way to avoid losing anyone in your business is to ensure that you are an employer of choice and that there is more to lose than to gain. Top quality people don’t generally quit for money but quit for the satisfaction of working with the
