Last week's question ‘Recruitment ad or revelation?' on an ad for the position of CEO, which had gone into the details of the work environment at the cost of creating negative perception, has elicited mixed responses. Edited excerpts:

Fodder for gossip

The advertisement appears to paint a negative picture of the company rather than convey the attributes and qualities expected of the CEO. Publicising the internal turmoil will give both insiders and the competition adequate fodder for ‘gossip'.

— Ashok Jayaram, CMR Group of Institutions, Bangalore

Carrots not sticks

More than hunting down the best autocratic leader out there, the company needs to do a reality check on its hiring policy. The company should employ people with the right professional mindset and think of ways to boost morale. To be the best company, you should have more people running behind carrots than fearing the stick.

— Bhagavan H. N., Sheshadripuram Degree College, Bangalore

Only right candidates will apply

By spelling out clearly the qualities and attitude it seeks in the CEO, the company is minimising its cost towards selection, as only those ready to face the challenge will apply for the post.

The possible negative public perception of the company is of little significance as ultimately outsiders/clients expect dynamism and delivery.

— Sandhya Vasudev, Fatima Degree College, Hubli

Being discrete is not being unreal

It is an over-kill to have been so direct, verbose — and — prescriptive in the ad.

Firstly, candidates who are positive in their mindset and take management responsibility seriously, upon reading the ad, will be wary of the possibility of working for an employer who appears to be having a ‘blame-fixing' approach. Secondly, it can put off employees on board. Lastly, it can be unsettling for customers and other stakeholders.

Being discrete is not being unreal. The ad could have balanced the needs of being authentic in the advocacy for organisational change and being responsible, by articulating what the management thinks its role is in supporting a CEO who is committed to bring about that change.

— Sundar Parthasarathy, Delphinus Coaching

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