Nepotism was the most common motivation (25.3 percent for children, 19.3 percent for extended family relations), though cronyism was not far behind, making up 38.7 percent. (Image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 14 (Korea Bizwire) – Cases of unfair hiring practices have been experienced or witnessed by at least half of all salaried workers, with 13.1 percent even being on the receiving end of requests for “favors”, according to job recruitment web service Incruit.
The results were generated from a questionnaire answered by 283 Incruit users who were also currently employed.
The findings showed that the majority of requests for special consideration originated from within or one step removed from the company (32 percent and 27.4 percent, respectively). Of the requests, 39.7 percent were coercive — suggesting they may have come from someone in a higher position — and 18.5 percent were described as relying on persuasion or threats.
29.6 percent offered assistance with work and/or greater convenience during working hours, and 25.9 percent entailed promises of money and gifts. Another 18.5 percent made use of personal or professional relationships as leverage.
Despite the current political climate, 31.5 percent agreed to the statement “the hiring process is in a company’s domain”, with justification ranging from “if there is a plausible reason, it is understandable” to “in times like these, even having that inside track is a skill”. (Image: Yonhap)
Nepotism was the most common motivation (25.3 percent for children, 19.3 percent for extended family relations), though cronyism was not far behind, making up 38.7 percent. Interestingly, there were a few cases asking for for special consideration for parents (3.3 percent).
The survey also revealed that 30.5 percent of all hiring requests were for entry level candidates. Of the recipients of these favors, 33.1 percent said they automatically bypassed the first round of the application process (resumes, credentials and cover letter review), 27.3 percent recalled that they had “been treated well” during interviews, and 12.4 percent mentioned that the company had taken down its job posting after their interview . A few responses said the requirements listed on the original job posting were changed, and the deadline for application was extended.
Favoritism and special consideration in the hiring process at public institutions have come under the microscope recently, as President Moon Jae-in has launched a sweeping investigation into public institutions in an effort to stamp out corrupt hiring practices. The recent resignation of Woori Bank’s director over allegations of selective hiring has the public’s attention firmly on the misappropriation of social capital in working environments.
Despite the current political climate, 31.5 percent agreed to the statement “the hiring process is in a company’s domain”, with justification ranging from “if there is a plausible reason, it is understandable” to “in times like these, even having that inside track is a skill”.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
