siseotsused

Siseotsused is a term used in Estonian governance and organizational management to describe internal decision-making procedures in which a decision is made within an organization without inviting broad external participation. The concept is commonly applied to two areas: internal recruitment and internal procurement or contracting. In recruitment, siseotsused refer to hiring or promoting from among current employees or trusted contractors connected to the organization, rather than opening the position to external applicants. In procurement, they describe awarding a contract to an internal supplier or to a company within the same corporate group, rather than conducting an open tender.

The practice is typically justified by aims such as speeding up processes, protecting strategic information, or leveraging established expertise when external competition would add little value. Siseotsused may be used in situations of tight deadlines, sensitive projects, or when the potential internal candidates or suppliers have a proven track record. However, they also attract concerns about transparency, equal opportunity, and the potential for favoritism or patronage if not properly justified and documented.

Governance and oversight are central to the use of siseotsused. In Estonia, as in other EU countries, internal selections are expected to comply with general principles of governance, including justification, documentation, and accountability. Organizations are typically advised to articulate clear criteria, maintain records of decisions, and provide avenues for review if appropriate.

See also: open tender, public procurement, internal recruitment, governance, anti-corruption measures.