Why it issues

Corporations write job postings fastidiously in hopes of attracting the perfect candidate. Nevertheless, they could unknowingly appeal to and select narcissistic candidates whose objectives and ethics won’t align with an organization’s values or long-term success. Analysis reveals that narcissistic workers are extra doubtless to behave unethically, doubtlessly resulting in legal consequences.

Whereas narcissistic traits can result in detrimental outcomes, we aren’t saying that corporations ought to keep away from attracting narcissistic candidates altogether. Think about an organization hiring a salesman. A agency can profit from a salesman who’s persuasive, who “thinks exterior the field,” and who’s “results-oriented.” In distinction, an organization hiring an accountant or compliance officer would doubtless profit from somebody who “thinks methodically” and “communicates in an easy and correct method.”

Bending the principles is of explicit concern in accounting. A big quantity of analysis examines how accounting managers generally bend guidelines or therapeutic massage the numbers to achieve earnings targets. This “earnings administration” can misrepresent the corporate’s true monetary place.

In reality, my co-author Nick Seybert is presently working on a paper whose information suggests rule-bender language in accounting job postings predicts rule-bending in monetary reporting.

Our present findings make clear the significance of fastidiously crafting job posting language. Recruiting professionals might instinctively use rule-bender language to attempt to appeal to somebody who looks like a good fit. If corporations are involved about hiring narcissists, they could need to clearly talk their moral values and desires whereas crafting a job posting, or keep away from rule-bender language solely.

What nonetheless isn’t identified

Whereas we discover that skilled recruiters are utilizing language that draws narcissists, it’s unclear whether or not that is intentional.

Moreover, we’re not sure what actually drives rule-bending in an organization. Rule-bending might occur attributable to attracting and hiring extra narcissistic candidates, or it may very well be due to an organization’s tradition—or a mixture of each.

The Research Brief is a brief tackle attention-grabbing tutorial work.

Jonathan Gay is Assistant Professor of Accountancy on the University of Mississippi.

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