Dive Brief:
- A pair of Gartner researchers believes it's possible that job applicants may one day be able to volunteer DNA test results in order to prove that they are genetically predisposed to be the best candidate for a given job, according to Computerworld.
- David Furlonger and Stephen Smith of Gartner presented research that shows scientists are beginning to understand the links between certain genes and traits like high IQ, leadership skills and other desirable qualities. Both say the possibility is a long-shot at present, but still very plausible, citing a Chinese research firm that is working to develop a way to detect human intelligence.
- Computerworld notes that blood testing by companies during the recruiting process is illegal, but employers might still tailor interviewing methods to test whether candidates possess the correct traits. Alternatively, candidates could simply volunteer the results of DNA testing themselves.
Dive Insight:
Like something straight from the script of Gattaca, genetics has grown as a science to the point that it could plausibly allow employers to determine who might make the best choice for any given position, from the executive level on down.
Organizations like the Council for Responsible Genetics (CRG) have already addressed the obvious ethical implications at length. Plus, as Computerworld also points out, there's already legal precedent here. President George W. Bush's signing of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) in 2008 prohibits certain forms of genetic-based discrimination.
It's also not the first time HR observers have dealt with this possibility. The proliferation of hiring algorithms may result in the exposure of sensitive personal information, including a candidate's genetic info. In 2015, a stomach-churning workplace incident prompted a federal district court ruling that specified which cases constitute an acceptable use of employee DNA testing.
