The polygraph is a device that has the ability to detect whether an individual is lying or not. This type of test does not have a legal validity in a trial, but the business sector has been able to find a use for it. The polygraph in personnel selection speaks to us about these issues.
Today, there are many companies that have been using a polygraph as part of their personnel selection. This is because many of them do not blindly trust the "good faith" of individuals.
This test seeks to detect a series of behaviours, which in turn allows a more "accurate" profile of what you are looking for to be identified. Many companies have found this to be very successful and have made it a "normal" part of their daily activities.
What does a polygraph examination consist of?
A polygraph test, also known as a "lie detector" test, is an assessment in which a polygraph test is administered by a polygraph examiner. detect different physiological changes. To obtain these results, different questions must be asked in order to generate psychological stimulation.
For a company, this assessment can be quite important when selecting personnel. In this way, it is possible to determine what a person's intentions are. That is why some companies use this quite frequently.
The Polygraph
Is it legal to use a polygraph in a company?
Many people often have doubts about the legality of this assessment when it comes to using it for personnel selection. The truth is that there is a legal vacuum regarding its use by companies, even for "recreational" use.
There are a few things you should be aware of in order to be able to use this test as part of your company's selection:
- Data: The data obtained from the test, including personal data and results, should be kept confidential. The only persons who should have access to it are the persons conducting the assessment, the recruiter and the individual concerned.
- No personal questions: Any personal questions, such as religious, political or sexual orientation, should be avoided. In other words, the assessment should focus only on those questions that relate solely to the job.
- Results should not be considered to justify dismissal: There are many companies that carry out such tests on a frequent basis from time to time. In this case, if something unusual is found in the employees, this should not be used as a reason for dismissal. This is because it has no legal validity.
In this case, there is nothing wrong with using it within a company. As long as the information collected by this means is not misused, there should be no problem. Likewise, an employee cannot be forced to submit to a polygraph testThe use of the information must be carried out with their consent.
Is it a good idea to use the polygraph for recruitment?
Despite the fact that through the polygraph, a great deal of information can be obtained relating to the with employees, it should not be used against them. However, as part of the selection process it can be extremely important in determining a potential employee's intentions.
So, you can get to put it to some important uses, which is why it is really worth using it as part of employee selection in a company.