Conducting Tests in an Organization
Nowadays, securing a job is more than just making an application, and producing cover letter and resume. In most employment processes, individuals are expected to undergo medical examinations, drug tests, honesty tests, and scored test of ability (Aamodlt, 2015). However, while used inappropriately, the tests mentioned could be considered illegal. When it comes to polygraph tests or honesty tests, the law under the law under Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) is against use of such tests on workers, and is limited to specific industries only (Aamodlt, 2015). For instance, the law requires that, individual looking for employment in safety and health of public be subjected to polygraph tests.
Medical tests are equally sensitive. Employers are prohibited by Americans with Disabilities Act from exploring medical history of candidates who have applied for a job (Aamodlt, 2015). Whenever employers demand that medical tests be conducted for people with disabilities only, they risk being sued as it is illegal.
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Although appropriate, aptitude tests or scored test of ability are also allowed by law only to a certain extent. Whenever they tend to probe too much on the personality of an applicant, they may be deemed as violating some federal and state laws, especially when the employer delves on questions regarding religious beliefs, gender and sex.
Drug tests are only illegal when an organization uses it in an industry not synonymous with them. Industries such as public transportation and in public health are legally expected to conduct pre-employment drug tests (Mello, 2014).
Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ)
Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ) purpose is well intended because it determines the success of a business. Also, it ensures that only individuals with the appropriate characteristics are hired for a job, thereby guaranteeing public safety.
Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ) is legal in some occupations among them airplane pilots and bus drivers, due to safety reasons (Aamodlt, 2015). Whenever bus drivers and pilots reach a certain age, it is obvious they cannot perform their duties efficiently and safely. In that case, they will have to retire.
References
Aamodlt, M. G. (2015). Industrial/Organizational Psychology: An Applied Approach. 8 th Ed. New York, NY: Cengage Learning
Mello, J. A. (2014). Strategic Human Resource Management. 4 th ed. New York, NY: Cengage Learning
