Advantages and disadvantages of the "draft approach" to placing candidates in business units

Disadvantages of the Draft Approach

Risk of Unfairness and Bias: This approach can be highly susceptible to unconscious biases. Managers might favor candidates who are similar to them, leading to a lack of diversity within teams. Candidates who are less flashy or charismatic but highly qualified might be overlooked.

Focus on Short-Term Needs: Managers might prioritize immediate project needs over a candidate's long-term potential or the organization's broader strategic goals. This can lead to a less balanced workforce and a lack of developmental opportunities for new hires.

Disappointment for Unselected Candidates: A candidate who is not chosen in the "first round" or by their preferred unit may feel undervalued or rejected, which could negatively impact their morale and engagement from day one. This can also create a perception that certain business units are more prestigious than others.

Can Be Inefficient: The process can be time-consuming and complex to coordinate, especially in a large organization. Multiple managers might interview the same candidates, creating redundancy and a potentially chaotic experience for the new hires.

Sample Answer

The "draft approach" to placing candidates in business units, similar to a sports draft, involves managers from different business units competing to select new hires from a pool of qualified candidates. This method can have both significant advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of the Draft Approach

Managerial Buy-In and Ownership: When managers actively choose their team members, they feel a stronger sense of ownership and are more invested in the new hire's success. This contrasts with a top-down assignment where a manager may feel a candidate was simply "handed" to them.

Better Fit for Specific Roles: Hiring managers have a deep understanding of their team's culture, specific technical needs, and project demands. They can directly assess a candidate's skills and personality to determine if they are the best fit for their unit, leading to higher job satisfaction and better performance.

Increased Internal Competition: The draft can create a healthy competition among business units to attract top talent. This may encourage managers to improve their unit's culture and work environment to become a more desirable destination for new employees.