Publications
Publications
- November 2022
- HBS Case Collection
Hiring with the Community in Saint Paul
By: Mitchell B. Weiss and Sarah Mehta
Abstract
This case reviews Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter’s decision to involve the community in the process of hiring his cabinet members. Rather than relying on an executive recruiting firm or choosing cabinet heads from his own network, Carter recruited 100 community members and asked them to vet, screen, and interview candidates for ten city directorships, with Carter reserving the right to make final decisions. While his choices aligned with the panels for seven positions, they diverged for the remaining three. In January 2018, as Carter prepared to announce his decisions, he hoped his choices would not undermine belief in the participatory hiring process and his credibility as a mayor who valued community voices.
Keywords
Community Engagement; Competency and Skills; Government and Politics; Human Resources; Government Administration; Recruitment; Selection and Staffing; Decision Making; Public Administration Industry; United States; Minnesota; Saint Paul
Citation
Weiss, Mitchell B., and Sarah Mehta. "Hiring with the Community in Saint Paul." Harvard Business School Case 823-074, November 2022.