Assume your company is hiring a new marketing manager. You and one of other senior managers has been interviewing applicants. An applicant just finished the interview procedure and has the following skills, background and characteristics:

Hispanic Woman
Masters Degree in Marketing
Worked in a similar position with a competitor for the past 20 years

You are very pleased with this candidate and feel she meets and exceeds all the requirements for the position. The other manager; however, does not agree with your assessment replying only that he does not think this person is a good fit and that the search should continue. You press the issue to find out why; however, your fellow manager does not divulge or discuss any of his rationale and simply repeats he does not think this candidate is a good fit.

QUESTIONS:

Based on your review of this situation answer each of the following questions:

1. What type(s) of heuristic may be present in formulating your co-workers opinion? Explain how you came to your conclusions (support your findings).
2. Are there possible legal and ethical implications that can result from making a hiring decision based on your co-workers opinion?
3. After your analysis for parts 1 & 2 (above) what do you think you should say to your co-worker?
4. How would you convince him that this person is right for the job and should be hired?