Final answer:
The best course of action to hire a new booking agent quickly and cost-effectively is through employee referrals, as it leverages the current workforce's network and tends to be faster and less costly than other methods. Another option is internal promotion, which also saves on onboarding and training costs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ideal course of action for the Summer Retreat Travel Agency, which needs a new booking agent and wishes to save costs while moving quickly, is to pursue employee referrals. Employee referrals can be a highly efficient way of recruiting, as current employees understand the company culture and requirements for the position. This method reduces costs compared to extensive advertising or hiring a recruitment agency, and it's usually faster than both. It also has the added benefit of providing candidates who are somewhat pre-screened for fit, as current employees are unlikely to refer someone who would not be up to the job.
Another quick and cost-effective option could be internal promotion. Promoting an existing employee saves the time of onboarding and training a new hire from outside. It also helps with employee retention and motivation, as employees see opportunities for growth within the company. This approach, however, depends on having the right candidate already within the organization.
Overall, both employee referrals and internal promotions are effective hiring practices that align with the manager's requirements. Still, employee referrals may allow for a wider choice of potential candidates, particularly if no current employee is ready for promotion.