Book Review. Deception in Selection

Citation

(1999), "Book Review. Deception in Selection", Journal of Managerial Psychology, Vol. 14 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/jmp.1999.05014aab.007

Book Review. Deception in Selection

Book Review

Deception in Selection

Liz Walley and Mike SmithJohn Wiley & Sons1998ISBN 047197498 6 (paperback)

Keywords Human resource management, Recruitment, Selection

One of a series on Strategic HRM, this demonstrates and proves three key points through research evidence and illustrations that:

1. 1.

   Deception exists both on the part of the selector and the candidate for a number of reasons.

2. 2.

   The selection process is a minefield ­ there are so many possibilities and opportunities for deception.

3. 3.

   There can be significant consequences for both the individual and the organisation where deception has been used in the selection process.

Suggested strategies, both proactive and reactive, for minimising the possibility of deception are comprehensive but explained clearly. They relate to the organisation's selection process, methods and selector's level of awareness and skill in using different selection methods.

Key examples of individuals and organisations caught up in deception either knowingly or otherwise give a very realistic context for the reader to consider.

The role of impression management on the part of both the individual and organisation is considered, too, and by reference to differing views on the matter, is seen as both potentially harmful and helpful. One very useful conclusion to that debate is to ensure selectors are aware of the existence of impression management and are trained to verify the impressions. One phrase at the beginning of the book perhaps highlights one of the key difficulties for organisations in spotting deception easily:

...individuals who deceive are not necessarily villains but may possess many admirable qualities and be well regarded by others.

Before you read it, though, it is worth thinking about your own attitude to truth? Which end of the spectrum are you? A person who feels lying is "unethical" or a "congenital liar"?

Walley and Smith have identified the many situational and social factors which mean that most people are somewhere between these extremes. They have compiled a very useful practical reference point supported by simple explanatory illustrations to help spot those who deceive, whether intentionally or not.

This book will be invaluable reading for anyone who is involved in managing the selection process and in acting as a selector. It will also enable students of management and psychology to cross-refer from theories on effective recruitment and selection.