Conclusion: The Headhunting Business

In the course of 3 years’ investigation of the executive search business, from all four angles — consultant and researcher, client and candidate — the overall impression gained has been that, generally speaking, headhunting is a good thing. But this is not to say that this is always the case, and if this study appears to be unduly sympathetic to the headhunting fraternity it is because the firms discussed here have proved that they can make a substantial contribution to the effectiveness and performance of their clients. Yet, for every one of these firms, there are perhaps ten or more that are not necessarily to be recommended so highly, or are not trustworthy, discreet and reliable at all.