Table of contents

Integrity Testing in Organizational Context (Iain Coyne)

Abstract

The current text explores the research evidence on the effectiveness of integrity tests as a pre-employment selection tool. The historical background of integrity testing and types of integrity tests are discussed followed by a structured discussion of the psychometric evidence (scope, reliability, fairness, acceptability and validity) surrounding their use. Limitations to the use of integrity tests are then raised and conclusions drawn.

Main text

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Questions/Items for classroom discussion

1 Consider the notion of a trade-off between integrity and job role. What jobs/roles do you think involve a strong element of integrity and what jobs/roles do you feel there may be the need for a trade-off?

2 How would you overcome the labelling issue within integrity testing?

3 Compare and contrast overt and covert integrity tests in terms of effectiveness.

4 Search for other: a) selection methods; and b) organisational interventions that can be used to control counterproductive behaviour? What evidence is there to show they work?

5 If specific personality scales appear to be better predictors of counterproductive behaviour than integrity tests, why not just use these for selection.

6 Consider the ethical and legal implications of using integrity tests for promotion decisions. Think about this in terms of integrity-test job performance relationships.

7 Can integrity tests be used cross-culturally? Are their barriers to use in different countries?

Biographical statement

Dr Iain Coyne is a Lecturer in occupational Psychology at the Institute of Work, Health and Organisations, University of Nottingham. Dr Coyne is a Chartered Occupational Psychologist, an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS), a member of the BPS Steering Committee on Test Standards and a former Council member and now co-opted Council member of the International Test Commission. Dr Coyne’s research interests include productive and counterproductive workplace behaviour (including integrity testing), workplace bullying and selection and assessment and Dr Coyne has published research papers on these areas as well as presented and convened symposia at national and international conferences on his research. Address correspondence to:

Dr Iain Coyne
Institute of Work, Health and Organisations
University of Nottingham
William Lee Buildings 8
Nottingham Science and Technology Park
NG7 2RQ
Tel: (0115) 8466639
Email to: Iain.Coyne@nottingham.ac.uk

http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/iwho/