The article “When Picking a C.E.O. Is More Random Than Wise” by Steven Davidoff in the Dealbook of the New York Times from July, 24, 2012 discusses the process of choosing executives and suggests that it is hardly possible to identify specific objective criteria for selecting the best candidate. Hence, most of the appointment decisions depend on the subjective opinion of the boards. Davidoff provides the examples of Marissa Mayer, who was recently appointed a CEO of Yahoo, and James Rogers, who was dismissed from his position in Progress Energy in less than an hour.
The topic of executives selection remains poorly explored by the contemporary academic research. Therefore, the fact that the author raises this issue and encourages further research in the area makes the article valuable and interesting for the readers. The simplicity of the argumentation and a very engaging writing style make the commentary easy to read, thus making the article interesting both for business professionals, researchers and general public, thus giving Steven Davidoff an opportunity to address a wider audience.
However, “When Picking a C.E.O. Is More Random Than Wise” has some weak aspects as well. Although this commentary should reflect author’s opinion, in this case this opinion is presented in a very strong way that does not allow the readers to form their own evaluation of the situation. Moreover, the attitude of the authors to the executives mentioned in the text is rather negative. Although the article does not provide direct criticism of the of the boards’ decisions related to the situations described in the text, both the name of the commentary and its overall style suggest indirect criticism by the author. However, no substantial arguments are provided to support this opinion.
In general, Steven Davidoff in his commentary “When Picking a C.E.O. Is More Random Than Wise” managed to capture readers attention and to raise awareness about the lack of research in the area of executives appointment strategies, however, more support should have been provided to the opinions expressed in the article.
Davidoff, S. M. "When Picking a C.E.O. Is More Random Than Wise." DealBook. The New
York Times. 24 July 2012, Web. 25 Jul. 2012.
