[JumpCrisscross]

> many companies employ written or unwritten policies that name companies where it is not OK to hire without CEO (or senior executive) approval.

This seems counterproductive. Executives should recuse themselves when emotionally compromised. A bona fide independent decision should calm a rational friend.

Business relationships are more complicated. An employee of your largest customer, for example. Good protocol works most of the time. Commercial reason and the law fill the gaps.