Spanning’s recruitment plan was generally a recommendable move and advantageous. He had put up an elaborate process, which included a four-stage screening procedure and invitation of most promising respondents. After consultation, there was a detailed interview and ranking of the candidates. Thirdly, he had to interview the top ranked contender to gauge compatibility. The board did another check on the individual’s background and Spanning arranged for the council to meet, interview and confirm his appointment. This vetting procedure ensured that Spanning got the best candidate for the position. One of the advantages is that Spanning obtained a highly qualified and competitive candidate for the position due to the thorough vetting process he had put in place.
The second advantage of Spanning recruitment process was that, during the process he had opportunities to meet and interact with top contenders. This interaction ensured compatibility between him and the contenders and minimised problematic relation during the course of work.
Thirdly, due to the political and non-reforming nature of some of the council members, Spanning had another advantage of performing proper background vetting and presentation of the appointee to the council. This ensured that he never lost his appointees through political witch-hunting by his antagonists on the basis of a biased recruitment.
However, Spanning recruitment plan had its risks such as his hiring plan, which was a one-man-idea hence not consultative. Spanning’s antagonists, being the majority felt not consulted and due to that, they too came up with an alternative candidate. Refusal to give in to their pressure posed a threat to his career and thus becoming subject to removal.
Second risk was that the plan was long and expensive. Among Spanning’s priorities were an increase in municipal services and capital improvements. However, his recruitment plan was not in line with his priorities. He used a lot of resources and manpower in the process. The advertisement of the post as well as the recruitment process involved many procedures, consumed resources, time and manpower. His antagonist would translate this to misuse of funds and resources.
Spanning had the good interest of Dover people at heart and Randy Redmond’s arrest was a major setback. According to Spanning, his career was at stake and the arrest of Redmond’s son was not a mere coincidence but rather a political foul play. Consequently, his intervention was proper and in order as he could not sit down as things crumbled down.
Delaying arrest of Redmond had ethical implications, which included Misuse of power and interference with police department’s work among others. Due to the nature of the threat posed by Randy Redmonds arrest to the matters at hand, the most probable move was to put aside ethical considerations. However, such moves are unethical, unprofessional and above all inappropriate.
Spanning should have contacted Councilman Redmond to discuss his family problems besides acting on the arrest of Redmond. From a personal point of view, Councilman Redmonds would have dealt with his son’s problem as a family affair rather than settling scores with Spanning during professional duties. After all, he knew about his son’s problem and never shared it with Spanning.
Spanning has to come up with a win-win comprise if he has to consider delaying the council meeting and be acceptable to the council. This would mean that Spanning would let his antagonist have their way but at the same time should follow required channels of obtaining a suitable candidate for the police-chief post.
To seek a compromise without appearing weak or contradictory to the public’s eye, Spanning would need to start the whole recruitment process afresh however; the interviewing and reviewing board members should be professionals, elected by the council. This time round he would have his choice of candidates battling it out with his antagonists’ candidates professionally.
Spanning’s long-term management ability and his authority will be affected should he seek compromise during such a point. His plans and decisions will be subject to manipulations by his critics. Furthermore, should his career be on line, he would never exercise his authority effectively without pleasing the council in future managerial endeavours and thus compromising the community’s welfare.
In conclusion, spanning should go as per option three. Seek postponement of the council meeting, contact and consult with council members who are of his idea by letting them know the importance of such decisions and strategies. It is rather better to live with results of being ethical than bending regulations and procedures to fit some few self centred individuals.