The Pros & Cons of Internal Promotion and External Promotion

Advantages and disadvantages of internal promotionAdvantages:·         Current employees already know the rules, regulations and culture of the organisation.·         Employees have understanding of how the organisation operates and do not need an induction programme.·         The organisation knows employees and have detailed records from previous supervisors·         Offering opportunities to internal employees may boost the morale of the staff members.·         Allowing employees to move vertically and horizontally within the organisation could reduce the possibility of her looking for another job.·         A positive image is created in the organisationDisadvantages:·         No new or fresh ideas are brought into the organisation·         The job advertised may require skills not currently available within the organisation·         Promotion of an internal employee could cause resentment amongst other employees, who may feel they deserve the post more than the promoted employee.·         The number of applicants from which to choose may be too high or limited.·         It is possible to promote less qualified employees than those from outside of the organisation, in order to comply with the internal recruitment policy or the Employment Equity Act.·         Most internal applicants have been stagnant in their posts for so long and will not positively contribute any new ideas.·         Harden negative attitudes of internal employees cannot be changed by promotion.·         Lazy employees cannot suddenly change into ‘star’ employees because they have been promoted.·         Contagious negative habits and behaviour by one negative employee can easily be passed on to other divisions. Advantages and disadvantages of external promotionAdvantages:Ø A wide choice of candidates could attract skilled applicants and put the organisation in a better position.Ø Where recruitment agency has been used, candidates might have passed the initial screening done by recruitment agency and save the organisation time and money.Ø Organisations that use employment agencies are more often guaranteed to receive only the best and skilled applicants.Disadvantages:Ø Recruitment agencies do not always understand the culture of the organisation and inherent requirements of the post.Ø New recruits more often need to be trained.Ø It could cost the organisation a lot of money to screen a large number of candidates.Ø Advertising in the print media attract a large number of unsuitable applicants particularly for low level positions.Justice Mandhla is the author of 'What They Didn't Teach you in School:Life Long Learning Tips to Land a Job Straight out of School. For more information visit: http://www.mystudent4life.com