When an organization, employer, or individual decides to hire a new employee, conduct business with a third party, or enter into a trust relationship, they intend to establish a level of trust and credibility. Trustworthiness depends on the honesty and integrity of the people with whom we engage. However, the society we currently live in is a highly diversified and complex environment where interpreting any individual's trustworthiness based on their first impression may not accurately reflect their true identity and character. In today's society, background checks have become an essential tool for establishing trust and credibility. Background checks consistently help prevent fraud and protect public safety by providing critical information that helps us make informed decisions and identify potential risks.
Background checks are a proactive and defensive tool used to verify information from various sources, such as criminal records, educational degrees, work experience, credit history, and references, and cross-examined to confirm accuracy. The information garnered from the background check serves to surface areas of concern and identify potential red flags that may pose a potential risk to the organization pending their future involvement in the engagement.
Background checks help prevent fraud by screening out potential candidates with criminal records or a history of unethical behavior. By doing so, organizations can protect against the harm that can result from an employee engaging in fraudulent behavior such as embezzlement, money laundering, forgery, or identity theft. In addition, a background check helps an organization avoid losing credibility with clients, partners, stakeholder, and the public. When done well, background checks contribute to the level of trustworthiness in the organization by compelling employees to act in an ethical manner and conform to the organization's code of conduct.
Moreover, background checks help to protect public safety. Some industries, institutions, or organizations require employees to undergo thorough checks to ensure they are qualified and capable of performing the job for which they are hired. For example, medical staff is required to undergo background checks to verify their qualifications and protect patients against malpractice. Similarly, the transportation industry conducts background checks on drivers, including criminal record checks, to ensure road safety. Understanding the history of a potential employee in the context of the job duties, may help reduce risks and protect the public.
There are different types of background checks used today, they are categorized by the level of information provided and based solely on the employer's needs. The four most common types of background checks include:
1. Criminal Background Checks: This type of check is designed to screen for criminal activity in various jurisdictions. It includes checking for misdemeanor and felony convictions, sex offender registration, and warrant checks. Criminal background checks are typically conducted through searches of public records.
2. Employment Verification: Employment verification includes confirming the candidate's previous employment, dates of service, titles, and reasons for leaving their last employer and may include a check of educational achievements.
3. Credit History Check: This type of check is used primarily for roles that involve financial responsibility, such as accounting or financial management. Check for a candidate's credit history to assess their general level of financial responsibility, including credit-worthiness
4. Professional License Verification: This check verifies that a professional has a valid license to practice in their field, including the date of the license's issuance and expiration date.
At the heart of background checks are personal data and privacy rights. In the digital era, the collection of personal data without the individual's explicit consent raises questions about privacy and data protection. Many countries have enacted legislation that outlines the rules governing the collection, storage, and use of personal data. An individual has the right to know what information is being collected about them and why. It is essential to consider these nuances when conducting background checks to avoid infringing on the individual's privacy. Organizations must provide full disclosure about what is being investigated and for what purpose, only collect the information necessary for their decision-making, and ensure the individual owns the data used in the check.
In conclusion, background checks are essential in today's society for both personal and societal safety. They help individuals and organizations make better-informed decisions that lead to more trustworthy engagements. Background checks are typically customized, providing employers and individuals with useful insights into the background, history, and reputation of potential hires, partners, or other parties with whom they may engage. By conducting background checks, employers, and individuals can prevent fraud, reduce risks, and protect public safety. When done correctly, background checks contribute significantly to a safer and more trustworthy society.
