Which recruitment source is most likely to raise concerns of nepotism within an organization?

The choice of referrals as a recruitment source is particularly likely to raise concerns of nepotism within an organization because it inherently involves existing employees recommending candidates from their personal or professional networks. When candidates are brought in primarily through referrals, it can lead to perceptions or actual instances of favoritism, especially if those referrals are family members or close friends of current employees.

Nepotism concerns arise because the selection process may lack objectivity, and the referred candidates may be given preference over equally qualified individuals not connected to the organization. This can foster an environment where meritocracy is undermined, as hiring decisions are influenced by personal relationships rather than qualifications or fit for the role, potentially leading to a less diverse workforce.

In contrast, job fairs and online job boards facilitate a wider applicant pool from various backgrounds, reducing the likelihood of nepotism, while recruitment from college campuses typically involves a broader array of candidates who are selected based on their academic credentials and potential rather than personal connections.