Hypotheses on Administrative Selection

N ATHAN PUSEY'S skill in mixing old-fashioneds was considered in evaluating him for the presidency of Harvard.' Between this criterion and more obvious traits needed by administrators lies a huge area, much discussed but little explored. Perhaps the presentation of the hypotheses below will help clarify thinking in this complex, controversial, and ubiquitous area of administration2 and encourage the research that is needed in order to determine whether these and other hypotheses are correct. Before examining these hypotheses, one should recognize that accidental (accidental from the point of view of the moralist, the logician, or the literal analyst of the job to be done) play an important role in many selections for administrative positions. Among these factors are the need to placate or gain the support of an influential person or group; the predispositions of the selector; the

Political science · Selection (genetic algorithm · Artificial Intelligence · Computer Science · Management Theory and Practice