2. The search committee at Lettimore State University library has been working hard. The committee has reviewed a number of candidates for the position of library director and brought four finalists to campus for in-person interviews.

After a great deal of deliberation, the committee has narrowed the choice down to two candidates. Both have outstanding credentials and both are serving as associate directors at academic libraries of a comparable size to the one at Lettimore.

The two candidates, however, have very different personalities. Candidate A is very task-oriented, intense, and businesslike. He is said to be a perfectionist who continually pushes his staff to a higher standard. His tone is rather combative and his demeanor serious. Candidate B is also known for his high expectations of his staff but he is more approachable and casual. He smiles frequently, has a welcoming demeanor, and people tend to relax when they are around him.

If you were the Provost in charge of making the final decision about whether to hire Candidate A or Candidate B, which would you choose and why? How much does a manager’s personality relate to success on the job?