Ask the expert: Keeping it in the family can lead to workplace conflicts

By MARIE WILSON



Q: My nephew has applied for a position where I work. He is a good worker and well-qualified, but I'm afraid that if I hire him, people will just assume it is because we are related. He has a different surname, so I could just tell him not to let on, but I'm afraid it would eventually be found out and then it would be even worse.

A: Whenever there is a prior relationship it can present conflicts with establishing a new one in employment. The first thing you should do is see if your employer has a policy on this matter. Some employers prefer workers referred by others, but many are worried if there is a direct supervisory relationship that better-qualified applicants might be overlooked in favour of family, or that there might be conflicts of interest in managing performance or resolving disputes.

As a first rule, I would urge you to be upfront about the relationship. Within small industries and smaller communities, friendships, family ties and other connections are common, the important thing is to make such interests are transparent and to manage them in a way that doesn't disadvantage anyone.

If he is applying for a position where you will be involved in hiring, make sure the position is advertised and the requirements of the job are clear. Involve other staff, including your manager or the HR manager, in the shortlisting and selection decision. If this is not usual, you can let them know you want a second opinion because you do have someone you know applying and you want to be fair to all applicants.

If you follow the same process in the workplace, making sure you maintain your balance and open communication, then having a relative in the workplace shouldn't present any more problem than having friends where you work, which after all, is common.


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Dr Marie Wilson is associate professor of management at the University of Auckland Business School, research director of the ICEHOUSE business accelerator and a veteran of 20 years in corporate management and small business.