It is sometimes extremely difficult to track the wrongdoer if staff members are involved in the loss of money or stock. Out of desperation some employers resort to polygraph testing (also known as lie detector testing). But can one rely on such tests?

Employers who have to think of survival in a competitive business world, would want to assume that staff are honest. The harsh reality is that in the case of loss of stock or money, employees are often involved. Mostly it goes undetected. When dishonesty is suspected it is very difficult to prove - a very frustrating situation indeed.

Physiological responses
Out of desperation employers have called upon the expertise of polygraphists where employees have been suspected of dishonesty. Polygraphy involves measuring physiological responses from an individual while that individual answers a series of questions. If the person is untruthful it is believed that the body deviates from its normal pattern of functioning, which shows up on the measurements of the palmar sweating, relative blood pressure and respiration. After the test the data are evaluated statistically and recorded on the polygraph chart.

Courts reluctant
The polygraphy process may appear impressive and scientifically sound. Our courts and the CCMA have, however, been very reluctant to accept polygraph evidence. Whilst there have been divergent views expressed in different cases, one can safely say that polygraph testing has been approached with caution. In some cases the results of polygraph tests have been found to be inadmissible. Yet there have been other cases where the evidence has been taken into account where there has been other corroborating evidence.

So where does this leave the employer who does not want to get embroiled in legal technicalities? The answer is not to rely on polygraph test results alone, if at all. If there is reason for suspicion of dishonesty, rather have the matter thoroughly investigated. If the results are unsatisfactory, consider other measures such as traps, anti-theft incentives or systems and administrative procedures that prevent theft or other forms of dishonesty in the first place.

Jan Truter, www.labourwise.co.za

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