Problem: Your company is in the final stages of recruiting a new salesperson. The final candidate, Frank Neusome, seems to have it all: good sales experience, demonstrated results, strong contacts in the business, and a personality that will fit in with your organizational culture. The assessment he completed shows that he is a strong candidate for the role. As a last step, you want to call Frank's references. He has given you three names, all of whom work with Frank's former employer, not his current one. The hiring manager, Joe, mentions that he knows a couple of people who work at Frank's current employer and is going to call them to "get the goods" on Frank.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What are the concerns about Joe phoning his connections at Frank's current employer?
2. What are the potential consequences of Joe calling Frank's colleagues to ask about him?
3. Are there any privacy or consent laws that your organization needs to follow when recruiting? Do these laws apply to Frank's situation?
4. What would you advise Joe to do in this situation?