Whether you are in the private sector or in government, allegations of nepotism and cronyism can taint your organization’s reputation.
In smaller municipalities, it is not uncommon to find more than one member of the same family holding paid positions in the government. And you can find cases where friends of those in positions of authority get hired, despite not having the requisite qualifications. In some cases, this can be attributed to the lack of qualified or interested candidates. This is when allegations of nepotism and cronyism can arise. Unfortunately – true or not – perception can be reality, in the eyes of constituents. That is why it is essential to have policies and procedures in place to ensure all hiring is done ethically and transparently.
When seeking qualified candidates for a position, the municipality should advertise the position correctly, conduct interviews, and bring the candidate's name and information to the supervisors for a vote at a public meeting.
And when hiring upper-level employees, it may be a wise decision to seek the services of an outside, unbiased firm to assist in the hiring process. The professionals at Keystone Municipal Solutions have the ability to set aside any personal associations and find candidates that will be able to enhance the governmental operation and not have obligations or loyalties to other employees or higher-ups. This helps to mitigate concerns and head off any potential allegations of nepotism or cronyism
With every level of today's government constantly under public scrutiny, it's time to "fire this thing up" and ensure the public that your hiring practices are beyond reproach.
About the Author
David L. Anthony is a member of the Keystone Municipal Solutions team of experts. He is a veteran of municipal government, having served more than 33 years in various positions of public service. Contact him at david@keystonemunicipalsolutions.com. To learn more about David and the Keystone Municipal Solutions team, click here.
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