What's "Ethics in Recruiting" About?

[Yvonne LaRose]

While racing about the network, I bounced through Ethics in Recruiting and then posted (or sent) a message to someone. That act resulted in their being sent an invitation to join Ethics in Recruiting. The recipient was a little surprised, interested, and curious. Curious as to what Ethics in Recruiting is about. Interested in the concept. Surprised at the invitation since they are not involved in any aspect of recruiting. This was a fortuitous occasion. It presented a basis for explaining what the group has always been about and make the explanation a little more detailed than the couple of hundred characters allowed on the network.


Ethics in Recruiting was developed to be a Think Tank. It is principally made up of recruiting industry professionals of every level from around the globe. We discuss various scenarios and situations to determine what is the industry standard, what is the usual practice, whether or not it is ethical.



The other thing we are striving to do is develop a Uniform Code of Conduct and form of governance for U.S. and non-U.S. recruiting professionals (if that is possible). To that end, we are looking at other codes of conduct, professional organizations, comparing and contrasting, in order to determine what needs to be brought out.



There are many areas that need to be covered in this exploration. Rating systems is just one.



In addition to fact situations, we also examine news items, laws, and legal cases in order to gain a better understanding of what is ethical. And we discuss whether standards are evolving, in which direction.



While a few from the previous venue for Ethics in Recruiting thought it was a place to show off, try their case in a public forum, and put forth arguments disguised as meaningful discussion, and create confusion for the sake of being at the center of attention or just creating attention. This group was moved from that venue; the previous venue is dead. The behavior there was not and never was what the group is intended to do. Those who desire that atmosphere have several other Web options and I invite them to use those tools.



Ethics in Recruiting is designed to bring out the professionalism in the people who make up the profession and the industry. One of our base ground rules is respect of one another. Another is discuss compared with argue.

This is also a venue where we collaborate and contribute to the goal. Transparency is extremely important. Thus, if you are writing a book on ethics, it is fine to join the group but not in order to write your book based on what the group has discussed. (Your work should be your work.) Rather to share and clarify your thoughts. It is desired that all be contributing participants.



Should non-industry participants be part of those who consider Ethics in Recruiting? To the extent that hiring and recruiting methodologies and practices affect those in the job market, I would say "Yes" because they can offer something the forest cannot -- perspective.



But herein lies the other unique thing about this group. I believe in democracy and the voice of the group will definitely sway my opinion and actions.
Are you interested in being part of Ethics in Recruiting? Send me a note requesting an invitation and a brief statement of your purpose in being among our numbers. I just may have some work I want to ask you to do.