I think you're not looking far enough into this. HR wants to hire the best employee they can (long-term strength) while also not paying a premium, or potentially getting a discount. Since most people are terrible negotiators and/or won't switch jobs for a 5%-10% pay bump, paying less doesn't necessarily equate with focusing on the short term.
Conversely, overpaying for hires is a way of focusing on the short term (to get the person in immediately) at the expense of the long-term profitability of the company (inflated cost structure).
I'm not defending this incentive structure for HR, just saying that there are a lot of factors at play whenever a hiring decision is made.
Conversely, overpaying for hires is a way of focusing on the short term (to get the person in immediately) at the expense of the long-term profitability of the company (inflated cost structure).
I'm not defending this incentive structure for HR, just saying that there are a lot of factors at play whenever a hiring decision is made.