Simply the best? The case for using ‘threshold selection’ in hiring decisions

This paper argues the case for a more progressive approach to diversity and inclusion that incorporates a form of positive discrimination in the selection process: ‘threshold selection’. It outlines the distinctive features of threshold selection and argues that it is an approach that resolves the tension between suitability and acceptability criteria, relies on high formalisation and transparency, can mitigate some of the self‐serving bias among selectors and ties the selection needs to the goals of the organisation. In these respects, although controversial, threshold selection offers a thorough and systematic approach that is entirely consistent with the general tendency towards greater professionalisation of HRM.