The simple fact is that our business is part of a very small world and people,either in management or not, are likely to be aqquainted with each other. Many threads here prove this.
We all get a bit of info through the old boy network if you think about it for a little longer than knee jerk time.
Conspiacy theories are all very well but are surely a bit paranoic?
I know of one OD who, knowing that some of his more upwardly mobile young pilots were looking to move on, actively helped, by use of his contacts, in their selection of suitable companies for good career progression.
This might pi** a few people off, but there are some people out there who are prepared to help.
I should know as I was one of those who was assisted in this way and have been grateful ever since.