polygraph test

A polygraph test and its purpose

A polygraph test, often known as a lie detector test, records and evaluates the body’s instinctive responses to certain questions presented by an examiner, and it aids in the detection of evasive or dishonest responses. The polygraph machine collects physiological data such as pulse rate, blood pressure, respiration, and skin conductivities, among other things. The test results reveal whether or not the offered answers are falsehoods by marking an individual’s physical responses to dishonest queries. Furthermore, it is thought that the test can distinguish between honest and dishonest replies by observing changes or fluctuations in the examinee’s physiological responses. In my opinion, however, polygraph tests should not be utilized to hire or fire individuals.

The impact of polygraph tests on employees

One of the reasons why I feel polygraph test is unsuitable for use in employee hiring and firing is that it demoralizes employees. When an honest employee gets subjected to a polygraph test, he or she may feel distrusted and threatened, which may adversely impact the morale of such employees and even the entire workforce. Besides, the employees may feel upset and uncomfortable with the employer’s use of lie-detection tools. If the morale of the employees goes down, the whole corporation may suffer since demoralized employees usually have lower productivity.

Potential for inaccurate results

Additionally, polygraph tests may produce inaccurate results. An honest candidate or employee may have disorganized or contradictive answers because of the fear of the test, and the physical reactions to such fear may be misread or misinterpreted by the machine. An organization may, therefore, waste time on the wrong path in its interviews or internal investigations and end up wrongfully disqualifying a competent candidate or falsely accusing an honest staff of misconduct due to inaccurate results from a polygraph. Besides, a false accusation can significantly damage the employees’ reputation, as well as give them an avenue for filing lawsuits against the employers.

The unsuitability of polygraph tests for hiring and firing

Therefore, I believe the use of polygraph tests is unsuitable for hiring and firing of employees since it has significant adverse impacts on the employees. Besides, both the state and federal laws have currently limited the use of polygraphs in workplaces.