Ethics: an Overview
Human Resource Management
Summer 2009
Session B
To Lie or No to Lie
1) Polygraph testing began in the early 20th century. The first celebrated case using a polygraph test was the Lindberg baby kidnapping. Polygraph tests a popular among the branches of law enforcement (FBI, CIA and Homeland Security). There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to utilizing polygraph tests in the workplace. The advantages to using a polygraph test in the workplace are that the test allows the individual(s) in question to give “their side of the story.” It protects the organization from being discriminatory towards and particular group or faith. It shows employees that the organization is willing to go to great lengths to find out what has occurred. This type of action should be recorded into the employee manual to protect against any future issues. The disadvantages to polygraph testing are that employees may see the test as an infringement of their rights. The employee may refuse to take the test, especially if it is not part of company policy. The testing could be manipulated to reflect a desired outcome. The testing is not admissible as evidence on a court of law in most states.
2) Drug testing at Team Fun is not legal in most of the United States. Before proceeding with any type of drug testing, especially any random drug testing, it is highly recommended that the organization consult with the state Department of Labor to confirm the guidelines with regard to company drug testing. The company should consider is this to be pre employment or post employment drug testing. Most drug testing is done pre employment. Policies that should be instituted around random post employment drug testing are employees (supervisory and staff) are to have educational programs about the drug testing, the drugs being tested and the event of having a positive result of a test (supervisory level education). The company should not or cannot terminate the post-employment
Summer 2009
Session B
To Lie or No to Lie
1) Polygraph testing began in the early 20th century. The first celebrated case using a polygraph test was the Lindberg baby kidnapping. Polygraph tests a popular among the branches of law enforcement (FBI, CIA and Homeland Security). There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to utilizing polygraph tests in the workplace. The advantages to using a polygraph test in the workplace are that the test allows the individual(s) in question to give “their side of the story.” It protects the organization from being discriminatory towards and particular group or faith. It shows employees that the organization is willing to go to great lengths to find out what has occurred. This type of action should be recorded into the employee manual to protect against any future issues. The disadvantages to polygraph testing are that employees may see the test as an infringement of their rights. The employee may refuse to take the test, especially if it is not part of company policy. The testing could be manipulated to reflect a desired outcome. The testing is not admissible as evidence on a court of law in most states.
2) Drug testing at Team Fun is not legal in most of the United States. Before proceeding with any type of drug testing, especially any random drug testing, it is highly recommended that the organization consult with the state Department of Labor to confirm the guidelines with regard to company drug testing. The company should consider is this to be pre employment or post employment drug testing. Most drug testing is done pre employment. Policies that should be instituted around random post employment drug testing are employees (supervisory and staff) are to have educational programs about the drug testing, the drugs being tested and the event of having a positive result of a test (supervisory level education). The company should not or cannot terminate the post-employment