Standing up for ethics and integrity
ON THE SURFACE, the rise in the number of executive search and recruitment firms over the years, which is now more than 70, is something that companies and highcaliber executives that rely on their services should be happy about. Having many options is almost always a good thing.
The problem is that not all of those fi rms can be fully trusted. It is estimated that less than 20% of all the fi rms are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a disappointing and worrisome proportion. This is probably where most of the malpractices and unethical ways come from.
In 2009, four like-minded executive search professionals banded together to stand up to the so- called search firms whose malpractices were giving the industry a negative reputation. They were Jun I. Gil, chairman of Amrop Philippines; Patty Gallardo, managing director of Amrop Philippines; Stella Guilatco, managing director of George Garrett Guilford & Associates; and Babes Guevara, managing director of High Integrity for Recruiting Executives or H.I.R.E., Inc.
“We should do something about this,” Ms. Gallardo, PAESPI secretary, recalled telling themselves. “What about if we put together an association that will be dedicated to extolling ethics and integrity in the business?,” she said. And so they did. In 2009, PAESPI or Philippine Association of Executive Search Professionals, Inc. was born and registered with the SEC the following year.
The founding members were later joined by Mario A. Biscocho, senior vice- president and managing director of John Clements Consultants, Inc.; Rubi Benitez, managing director of RGF Executive Search Philippines; and Cesar Ginete, country manager of The People at Work.
PAESPI’s overarching goals are to professionalize the executive search business and curb malpractices. The means to achieving these goals is the spirited promotion of the Executive Search Code of Ethics that emphasizes the virtues of integrity, loyalty, competence and tried-and-tested search process, and of the bills of rights of the clients and candidates.
Among the malpractices that the six- member association deplores is charging fees without any value-add. Passing- on CVs without screening does not deserve any fee, PAESPI claims.
“It may be fast and cheap but the real grunt work of screening, interviewing, and assessment plus due diligence are all off loaded to the client. Besides, it is a shot gun approach without knowing what to target,” added Mr. Ginete, PAESPI board member.
Mr. Gil, PAESPI president, describes how an ethical search fi rm adds value. “An ethical search fi rm ensures it has a thorough understanding of a client company’s requirement as a fi rst step to a series of steps that leads to successful searches.”
The ethical firm, after understanding the client’s requirements, conducts a thorough research on executive talents from its data bank as well as from the market. Through in- depth interviews, the possible candidates are carefully screened, compared and evaluated.
This process ensures that the candidates match the specifications of the client who is given a choice from the best three to five recommended by the search firm. Together with the recommendation are written assessments on the candidates’ professional and personal suitability, fit to the organization’s culture and career motivation. Reference checks are conducted to ensure that all the claims of the candidates are true.
“Many times, we have these socalled agencies that don’t even know the specifications of the clients,” Ms. Guevara, PAESPI vice- president, said. The common tactic of these agencies is to send out loads of resumes, without bothering to talk to the candidates. “It’s the client that does all the screening,” she said. “That’s not our value proposition. It’s a shortcut. It’s a fast-buck approach.”
The indiscriminate distribution of resumes by agencies in the hope that one of the owners of those resumes will end up being employed is not only a terrible shortcut but extremely unethical. “But worst of all, this practice is a violation of the Data Privacy Act,” said Ms. Benitez, PAESPI board member.
Tak ing the shor tcut ha s unpleasant implications for the talents. “For all you know, you fi nd
Among the malpractices that the six-member association deplores is charging fees without any valueadd. Passing-on CVs without screening does not deserve any fee, PAESPI claims.
THE TAIWAN External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and the Taiwan Association Inc. Philippines (TAP) will be bringing in top manufacturers and suppliers to the country through the Taiwan Expo 2017 which will be held at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1. The show is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission is free.
The exhibition, designed based on current industry developments and market needs, will host eight theme pavilions: City Marketing, Inno-Tech, Health & Lifestyle, Agricultural Tech, Study in Taiwan, Culture & Tourism, General Support, and the Taiwan Association Philippines. More than 170 vendors from Taiwan will present over 4,500 quality products and services to give the Filipino consumers a chance to experience Taiwan without having to fly across the sea.
With this year’s theme “Experience Taiwan! Technology, Culture and Tourism,” the Expo will emphasize six main aspects: green technology, agricultural technology, e-commerce service, Taiwan Excellence, medical technique, and talent exchange, which will highlight Taiwan’s technological development in the industries, as well as educational sources and advances in Taiwan
Apart from a product exhibition, the event will also feature other activities, such as business matchmaking, industry forum, cultural performances, and outdoor programs to be held at SM Mall of Asia. These events will serve as a platform for long-term and mutually beneficial relations between Taiwan and the Philippines.
Technology and lifestyle product development is Taiwan’s strong suit. Through the Industry Forum, which will focus on two topics: Taiwan’s IOT Strength and Development and Taiwan Fishery Industry & Food Packaging Design Trends, visitors to the Expo will get to know more about Taiwan.
To encourage cultural exchanges between Taiwan and the Philippines, the organizers have invited a famous Taiwan circus group and several music artists and bands to perform live during the Expo. The performances will blend western influences with traditional Taiwanese styles. Through the upcoming event, Taiwan hopes to forge a deeper bond with the Philippines, particularly in economic, talent, and cultural exchanges. Admission to the event is free.