Corporate world turns to truth tests

9/16/2008 12:09:25 PM

Source: NDTV, 10/Sep/2008

Forensic tools like polygraphs or lie-detection tests are not just for criminals and terror suspects. Many in the corporate world are opting for this technology for pre-recruitment screening and also post-employment, for integrity check and zeroing in on fraudsters.

These are no isolated cases. Several top corporates, including MNCs, are opting for this technology to keep out the bad eggs.

K P C Gandhi, CEO, Truth Labs, says: "Pre-employment and post-employment for frauds only. Pre-employment for personality checks for checking if all information they are giving is truthful or not. This specially is required when recruiting for sensitive posts.''

A polygraph test monitors physiological and psychological response to questions using attachments to fingers, chest and abdomen and blood pressure. Though it is not scientifically validated, it is accepted as a leading investigative tool by courts. Corporates are still reluctant to openly admit they are using it but point out it is being done only with the person's consent.

A B Bhushan, former president, Indo-US Chamber of Commerce, South India Chapter, says: "Polygraph test would be a useful tool to clear people who are innocent. That probably would increase confidence level of those employed that there is a process by which you would not be a suspect because you have not done the leak. So it protects investment and is a security tool.''

This may seem like turning the principles of natural justice on its head, in the sense of presuming a person is guilty till proven innocent, but then there can be no argument against using technology to prevent a crime or to remove an innocent from the list of suspects.

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