Drug Screening Programs in Employment: Some Unresolved Measurement Problems

Abstract

This paper examines the use of drug screening programs in employment. Evidence for the reliability and validity of drug tests suggests that the tests may not even measure what they are intended to measure very well. Many employers are basing employment decisions (e.g., hiring, disciplining, and firing) on the results of drug tests. The ability to make valid inferences regarding job impairment (or the effects of drug presence on job performance) from currently available drug tests is questioned. Finally, recommendations are made for improving the measurement of organizationally relevant variables related to drug useage.