David -

You're spot on. If the compensation isn't tied into the change, it's pointless.

Example of change: I do know one firm has been moving to a retain/flat fee per monthly service model. They have some set expectations around the number of furnished, qualified candidates per position, but the company (a start up) likes the arrangement.

Corporations do get the vendors they tolerate (deserve). I found myself the other month defending a higher than average placement rate because my company isn't lowering the bar for necessary talent and it's (still) just as hard to find it - even in a slower market.

It's great to hear you're with a firm that is approaching the issues as an opportunity. If you're up for a conference call , I'd love to talk about it at a high level. Too many agencies are circling the wagons.

Hi Marsha - Yes, if change were easy, someone would have made the app by now I suppose. The challenge in accomplishing something is correlated to the value in this case.