20 June 2007

Racists beware, a new test will find you in your workplace

In the latest turn of events, job-seekers could soon have their hidden, or latent, racism exposed due to a new test being developed by London academics, said Org Geldenhuys, a director of Pretoria-based IT recruitment company, Abacus Recruitment.

Geldenhuys said that within the next year, it is expected that the London Metropolitan University hopes their 'implicitly' test will be provided to to multinationals and the public sector. "If it is successful in the UK," said Geldenhuys, "it might be a good idea for our government to look at importing this new software and using it in the South African workplace."

According to an article in on-line IT publication, www.contractorUK, the test can also detect potentially lazy employers. However, more interestingly, "the academics' computer-based probe can highlight the candidates who are likely to believe stereotypes about ethnic groups".

The report further states that: "Candidates will be asked to put images of black and white faces in order of 'good/positive' and 'bad/negative' by rapidly hitting keys on a keyboard. As subjects must select the faces under time constraints, the test side-steps 'cognitive control' - the brief period that enables people to give an 'acceptable' answer over an 'honest' one."

Geldenhuys said the software programme has the ability to report on the candidates "response index". This shows the level of racial bias.

Speaking to the UK newspaper, The Sunday Telegraph, the University's Nigel Marlow - who is involved in developing the ground-breaking test - said the test "is a subtle way to catch racists out".

He stated further: "It is based on the implicit attitude theory, which suggests that some time people are not even aware of some of their deep-seated biases."

"But," added Geldenhuys,"there is also an element of 'invasion of privacy' here, or 'big brother is watching you'. But I believe that if we are facing racist-related problems in the workplace, particularly in the public sector, this is a software programme that can weed out the potential problem areas - or problem people. It is a controversial topic. But I think it will be interesting to see what happens with the software in the UK - if this plan does progress."

Commenting further, Geldenhuys also said that the system, if used in the workplace, could “cut both ways”. “Elements of racism don’t just come from one side. In South Africa there is also sometimes an issue with black human resource managers, for instance, having a negative attitude towards hiring white workers.”

However, it seems there might already be at least a modicum of dissention regarding the new software from political quarters in the UK, so it is possible that the new software will ultimately not be used in the workplace.

One critic is Philip Hammond, the shadow work and pensions secretary, who, according to www.contractorUK, is of the opinion that the concept, or idea, is akin to something the 'thought police' would suggest. He said:" We are already a heavily monitored society with people being watched in all kinds of ways. A test to delve into the subconscious mind is frightening."