The process of hiring appropriate human resources is extremely important for any business and has a lot of bearing on its viability and profitability. Any wrong decision in this regard affects not only the business but also interpersonal relationships as evident from my experience.

             Problem.

             I established my independent carpet cleaning business five years back. And in these five years, I was capable of making it run smoothly. However, in order to enhance my capabilities, I decided to go back to college for higher education. I looked around for appropriate replacement. The replacement had to be such that would not only consolidate the business but also expand it still further in my absence. Personal involvement and accountability, apart from business acumen was one the major considerations. I hired my brother-in-law for the duration of my absence from business. I thought of hiring my brother-in-law. However, the family dynamics, the matter of trust and possible conflict with my made me rethink. 'Is it desirable to have a close relation as your employee?' was my dilemma.

             Possible Alternatives.

             To resolve the dilemma, I pondered over the issue so that it could be a win-win situation. The alternatives that come to my mind were:.

             To lease the business to my brother-in-law:.

             This would ensure his involvement and also that the business would revert back to me; and parting would not create a family dissension.

             To give equity to my brother-in-law:.

             This would make him a partner but this arrangement would be more permanent.

             To dispose of the business and restart after my college:.

             This would give me independence during my college stay and an opportunity to start the same or a new business with my enhanced capabilities on my return.

             To hire an independent employee: .

             In this process I could hire my brother-in-law as an employee through an open selection, provided he was competent, and treat him as an independent candidate irrespective of my relationship with him.