It's Monday morning, you stroll into work and there's a new face in the office. Having had the customary kitchen chat while making the coffee, you realise the new employee is long-time friends with the manager. Do you think, 'This is cronyism of the highest order' or, do you view the appointment as 'The management knows what they're doing, and this is best for the company'? Associate Professor Josh Keller says your reaction could vary depending on where you are in the world.

Culture plays a big part

Professor Keller and his fellow researchers examined differences in perceptions about hiring people with personal ties by conducting an analysis of the perceived fairness, profitability, and overall evaluation of hiring decisions in China and the United States. He said, "We found that the Chinese were more punishing of the hiring decisions that involved close personal ties than Americans in some specific contexts, in particular when the candidate was qualified."