Understanding Headhunting: Is It Ethical and Effective in HR Practices?

Hello everybody,

Can you all please explain the concept of headhunting? Is it ethical? Can we call it an effective HR practice? How do consultancies go about the entire process?

Looking for your guidance on this.

Thanks,
Amit 😎 😛

Hello there!

I strongly condemn the practice of headhunting, whoever does it. Let us all be fair in attracting talent. If a company has merit, talent automatically gravitates towards it; there is no need to poach for it.

Big brands in the IT industry are engaging in this practice right under the noses of HR managers in small companies. It is shameful for them to employ such tactics, especially when the entire industry looks to these companies to set ethical standards and values.

I apologize if I have offended anyone, but it is a fact.

Ghouse

If you can define the term "ETHICS," then I can say whether headhunting is ethical or unethical according to you! 💡

Dear Amit,

All is well when your boss is on your head and wants results and manpower (i.e., your own survival). I think it's not a new term. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Also, today is the race of talent and good people. So, don't be upset; it's all part of the HR game.

Hi,

About whether this is ethical or not, I think it depends totally on the environment and situation. Today, the thing that looks unethical may become ethical tomorrow. Then, I just got one thing in my mind, that one of my friends said to me that his company was telling them that outsourcing is bad and they will not do it. This was their campaign, and then one day suddenly they said that since other players have adopted the outsourcing strategy, they will also go for it. So, on the same day, the company outsourced a project worth millions.

Something like this, headhunting also, I think will become more common.

Hi,

According to me, a big company does not need to do headhunting as they can easily attract candidates through their brand name. However, a small company needs to do this as it is one of the techniques to find resources.

Regards,

Faimeen

HR Recruiter

Hi there!

I don't think it's a question of ethics. We all strive for better opportunities, and if someone obtains one from others, it may be due to your incapability to provide it. Put yourself in the place of the person who receives such an opportunity. Then you will realize that there are no "ethics" involved.

The Concept of Headhunting

Headhunting is used to find the right person for a particular job. People who are good at what they do will never upload their resumes on job portals as they choose which company they want to work with. Therefore, headhunting is for winners and not for those who wait in line for their turn. Please don't talk about ethics. Headhunters offer you a job. If you want it, take it; if not, pass on it.

Mr. Ghouse, you sound like a loser because you have either never been approached with an offer or because you are easily available on job portals. I feel you are one of those who would never go out of the way to get good results and then find excuses like ETHICS.