Recruitment - The Role of the Headhunter

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to examine the growing role executive search and recruitment firms play in the recruitment of human resources, with specific reference given to the oil and gas industry. Growth in the South East Asian oil industry in the early to mid nineties, coupled with the flattening of many organisational structures, created a dearth of management, commercial and technical personnel with suitable skills, knowledge and ability to meet demand on a global basis. It is predicted that the availability of experienced and competent people will continue to fall short of demand, particularly at senior management and executive levels and companies will be forced to recruit key personnel from the international marketplace. Changes to the process and standards adopted by search consultants has led to an increasing acceptance and use of their service. By forming an alliance with large, international consultancies, organisations will gain access to a vast pool of potential employees and will recognise the significant advantages of outsourcing the recruitment function. Changing communications technology, legislation and mobility of personnel as they seek to enhance their competence and attain personal satisfaction, will continue to be significant factors affecting human resource management in the future.