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Executive Search Relationships – Contacts Between Executives And Search Firm Professionals: Scale Development And Validation, Thomas A. Clerkin, Jeong-Yeon Lee

Organization Management Journal

This exploratory study investigates the nature of contacts between executives and search firm professionals, which together encompass the executive search relationship. An initial scale was developed, reviewed by experts and tested. Factor analysis led to a revised scale for further testing, which based on multiple samples identified three types of executive search contacts: (1) search firminitiated contacts; (2) executive-initiated contacts; and (3) contacts for mutual benefit. Correlational studies among these types as well as related concepts in networking behavior are presented, showing executive search relationships to be a unique and distinct measure. A discussion of the executive search construct’s potential …