There is an urgent need to improve the recruitment procedures for teaching positions at universities. There have been numerous cases in which academics have failed to hire outstanding young researchers and talented lecturers. For example, a research fellow from Germany complained that his applications for lecturing jobs were rejected despite his impressive research and publication record. Another scholar from Spain, who had received the Excellence in Teaching Award, also failed to get a job. A number of similar complaints have forced the Department of Education to introduce a policy which requires universities to staff the relevant selection committees with representatives from independent human resources consultancies. This measure will improve recruitment procedures. Which one of the following is an underlying assumption of the above argument?

A Academics are driven by egotistic interests when they recruit faculty members.

B Human resources consultants will be able to spot suitable candidates for teaching positions.

C A good publication record can diminish your chances of being hired.

D The primary goal of universities is to maintain the quality of teaching, rather than excellence in research.

E Graduates of German and Spanish universities have fewer chances of being hired for teaching positions.