Archive of News
Polygraph testing
- Published on 11 Oct 2012
- HR Pulse News Desk
HR Portal reports:
‘While the banking sector generally and firmly rejected the reliability of polygraph tests, employees within the insurance, FMCG and retail industries could find themselves wired up and their bodily responses scrutinised for evidence of dishonesty. And, says Debbie Goodman-Bhyat of Jack Hammer, they need to be aware that there is currently no legislation covering polygraph testing, which could see some employees on the back foot in a crisis.’
People in favour of polygraph testing identified the following advantages:
- This type of testing may help in cases where employees are accused of serious offences; and
- This testing helps employers see if employees are aligned with an organisation’s values. For instance, it may determine if an employee can be trusted with large amounts of money.
Others against polygraph testing set out some of the disadvantages:
- Some critics believe that the testing is not foolproof and that it is not suitable for a work environment; and
- It is not considered to be hard evidence.
Polygraph testing is not covered by South African legislation. Polygraph test results cannot stand alone as evidence. This means that failure of a polygraph test does not automatically mean the employee is guilty. The South African courts and the CCMA will only consider this evidence if it is presented with other evidence.
