In the corporate environment, cases of fraud, financial fraud, information leaks, theft and various conflicts are not uncommon. In this regard, for many companies, organizations and enterprises, security is an important aspect. Polygraph examination of employees can help in this matter, thanks to which you can verify the honesty and innocence of people, as well as increase the level of trust.
Features and necessity of polygraph testing for employees
Every manager knows very well that the main tool for prosperity and development is the staff. Success, financial well-being, reputation and safety largely depend on employees. A polygraph study reveals many facts, including:
- leaks of confidential information;
- engaging in fraud or corruption;
- the level of trustworthiness of new or existing employees;
- reliable information about internal conflicts and incidents;
- theft and financial fraud;
- industrial espionage;
- abuse of official position;
- hidden motives that could harm the company;
- negligent attitude towards performance of official duties, etc.
The polygraph is often used as one of the methods for assessing a situation or people, since it allows you to obtain highly accurate results, the reliability of which is 95-99%. This is possible through the use of modern equipment and a scientific approach to research. The equipment reads the physiological reactions of the subject during questions and answers, after which a qualified polygraph examiner conducts a thorough analysis and issues a conclusion.
It is worth noting that the detector test is carried out solely on a voluntary basis, so the employee has the right to refuse. However, rejection can also say a lot about a person.
When is a polygraph relevant for personnel testing?
Today, more and more companies regularly use polygraphs to ensure their safety and improve the quality of their personnel. Most often, a lie detector test is relevant in the following cases:
- Hiring new employees. Such research is most in demand for government agencies, as well as companies operating in the fields of finance, trade and security. Thanks to testing, you can confirm the veracity of information in a resume, find out about a criminal record or ulterior motives, and also make sure of a person’s overall honesty.
- Conducting internal investigations. In case of theft, information leakage or any other incidents, it is necessary to identify the culprits as soon as possible to prevent further problems. A lie detector will help identify circumstances, motives and other aspects that will help the company restore justice.
- Selection or screening of management personnel. Choosing company management or appointing people to significant positions always requires care. In this case, a polygraph test will allow you to make the most correct decision, because such people will have access to important information, and sometimes even control. Thus, it is necessary to identify their trustworthiness.
- Regular internal audit. For some organizations that place safety first, periodic employee testing is the norm. This allows you to minimize various risks and protect your company or organization from threats.
When should you refuse a polygraph?
The polygraph is not a universal “cure for all diseases.” It is important to understand that this is not a magical device that can absolutely accurately determine the truth or lies and find the culprits. There are times when it is better to abandon the idea of a lie detector test. These include the following:
- lack of grounds (if you have no obvious reasons to put employees on a polygraph, and you want to do it just “just in case,” it’s best to abandon the idea);
- the presence of contraindications (some people suffer from certain diseases of the heart or nervous system, so it is strictly not recommended for them to undergo a polygraph, since the procedure may negatively affect their condition);
- a high probability of conflicts arising in the team (the lack of reasoned grounds for polygraph testing can cause dissatisfaction among employees, which will lead to conflicts and other undesirable outcomes);
- lack of consent (a polygraph test is a voluntary procedure, refusal of which cannot be grounds for dismissal).
Polygraph testing of personnel can be a great way to keep your company safe. At the same time, the procedure should be carried out only if there are grounds, turning to professionals in this field.