Business Communication, English Management 239 Dr.

Daniel Sullivan

Recommending a Candidate for an Overseas Position

Hiring Decisions Memo
Gregory Yarberough 11/11/2011

Gregory Yarbrough To: Dr. Daniel Sullivan From: Executive Committee, Gregory Yarberough Subject: Hiring Decisions

November 11, 2011

The committee has chosen Deborah Gere to be the Manager of the Eastern European Marketing Office. She has the qualifications necessary to carry out the tasks that will be required to manage this post. Her fluency in Russian, as well as her one year residency as an exchange student in Russia, makes her an asset in this new position. These positive attributes will shorten the learning curve in acquiring any specific knowledge or skills that will be called for in her duties as a manager in this unique post. She is also familiar with the culture and geography of the office location having lived in Russia for one year. The chosen candidate has travelled for business and personal reasons, and this will be a plus since she is already familiar with a big part of Europe. She is knowledgeable about the future operations of the proposed office because she was involved in the business negotiations that led to the setting up of this office. While her managerial skills are not as pronounced as some of the other candidates who were being considered, she has other credentials that more than compensate for this drawback. Her education, tenure with the company and experience in her present position as an Assistant Manager make her more than qualified to fill the position as Manager of Eastern European Marketing. I believe that she will continue to be a positive fixture in this new position, if confirmed. Claude Chabot has many of the qualities and credentials required to fill the job as Manager of the Eastern European Marketing Office. His European citizenship is a plus that was considered in evaluating his possible appointment to manage this new office. Unlike the person chosen and the other candidates being considered for the position, Mr. Chabot did not have an advanced degree. While he did speak several languages fluently, he did not speak Russian, nor did he have any noted experience in the Eastern European region. His experience and potential in Economics and Sales, with regard to the European market are all commendable, but not the skills and expertise needed at this time for the proposed job in Eastern Europe. After looking at all of the varied experience, education, and potential that Linda Moss possesses, she wasnt chosen for the position either. She had many abilities that would have been useful in carrying out the tasks needed to manage a marketing office, however, she was lacking in too many of the essential skills that would have made for a smooth transition and successful operation in a complex cultural environment. There is no record of her having travelled or resided in either Western or Eastern Europe. She also does not apparently speak any foreign language fluently. While these skills may not be absolutely necessary to manage subordinates and relate to customers in a foreign country, they are very important. They are even more critical in cultures in Eastern Europe because the customs and values in Eastern Europe differ greatly from those in the West. I believe just adjusting to the cultural differences of being a Westerner, as well as being of African descent will present a significant challenge for Mrs. Moss. The added stress and distraction of not having her husband and two children living with her in Eastern Europe will also be an obstacle, in my opinion. She has too many critical aspects to consider that

Gregory Yarbrough

November 11, 2011

might interfere with her devoting the proper focus and required time and energy for the new assignment. The underlying pressure that this position can present with trying to prove herself as a woman and an African-American to become a first in a given arena creates unrealistic expectations. Mrs. Moss needs to expand her experience and knowledge of other cultures and languages in order to qualify for unique positions such as one outlined like this assignment. I believe too much time, resources, and training will have to be expended on Linda Moss if she is appointed to this position. Ms. Steven Hsu has proven during his long employment with this company that he is a valuable asset. He has the credentials and experience required to manage a successful operation. He is a capable and successful manager at present; however, his appointment to Manager of Eastern European Marketing would not be a good choice. He speaks some Korean and no other foreign languages fluently. Its my estimation that this would make it difficult to fit into the Eastern European environment. He also has never lived outside of the United States. The sudden introduction of a different, multifaceted culture and language barrier can be too much of an abrupt change into Mr. Hsus career. His wifes plan to do consulting work in Eastern Europe will be an advantage to him in some respected because she will be able to help him in business circles as she, too, will be interacting with them through her endeavors. This also could be a negative and conflict if her projects arent researched adequately or received well. When you add the responsibilities of family obligations, considering their young children, it could make for a difficult adaptation. I believe Mr. Hsus background, lack of diversity in his past job assignments, limited language skills, and family commitments make him an unsuitable candidate for this position. I believe he can better serve the company in his present position or one similar locally. He definitely does not have more qualifications than the chosen candidate, Deborah Gere.