Experimental Test of the Impact of Drug-testing Programs on Potential Job Applicants' Attitudes and Intentions

• NCJ Number: 156590
• Journal: Journal of Applied Psychology Volume: 75 Issue: 2 Dated: (1990) Pages: 127- 131
• Author(s): J M Crant; T S Bateman
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: DCC

Annotation

An experimental study used data from 163 undergraduate students to test the effect of the presence of an employee drug-testing program and the perceived need for the program on potential job applicants' attitudes toward a company and their intention to apply to that company.

Abstract

The participants reviewed descriptions of a potential employer; the descriptions varied with respect to whether the company had a drug-testing program and the level of need for testing. Perceived need was indicated by accident rates, absenteeism, and theft. Results revealed that the participants had more positive attitudes and intentions toward companies that did not have drug-testing programs and toward companies that did not need a testing program. An interactive effect between drug testing and subjective norms on attitudes toward a company was also significant. These results suggest that organizations should consider the effect of drug-testing programs on potential job applicants and that further research about potential applicants' responses is needed. Tables and 17 references (Author abstract modified)