Nigel Bradley (2005) Codes of Conduct & Graphology by Nigel Bradley University of Westminster.

Nigel Bradley (2005)

Codes of Conduct & Graphology

by

Nigel Bradley

University of Westminster


Introduction

The British Institute of Graphologists has ten objects and aims, one of these is :

to establish a binding code of ethical behaviour for all members.


Ethics

• Graphologists must consider what is right and what is wrong.

• Ethics are important for trust and good working relationships


Method

Inspection of Ethics …

in graphology

…in other professions

Emphasis on the UK,

France, Italy &

Switzerland.


Descartes (1596–1650)

• Descarte’s Rule of Change says: "If an action cannot be taken repeatedly, then it is not right to be taken at any time"

• An analysis that ridicules may work once but it does not mean that it is right to do it again.


Immanuel Kant (1724–1804)

• Kant’s Categorical Imperative philosophy says "If an action is not right for everyone to take, then it is not right for anyone"

• So if everyone were to carry out that action, the whole of society would turn to chaos.


Main uses of graphology.

Corporate: recruitment, team-building, coaching, career management, promotion

Private: domestic counselling: marriage guidance, business partnership compatibility, scholastic or vocational guidance.

Genealogy, entertainment, legal workPre-employment screening of job applications is the

most important, and ethical guidelines have really been created for this sector.


Transparency

• Transparency means we have an understanding of the purpose for collecting data and how the data will be used.

• This leads naturally to the idea of consent.

• Consent has been integrated into data protection guidelines.


Consent

Lack of consent• Participants lack knowledge. Deception or non-disclosure

of purpose may be used to collect handwriting specimens.Implied consent• Participants do not fully understand their rights.

Graphologist assumes consent was given by the mere submission of a specimen.

Informed consent• Participants’ consents are given freely and based on full

information about their rights and knowledge of how the specimen will be used


Do we need consent?

There is a compelling argument to say that handwriting is public: American law has examined this:

“Handwriting, like speech, is repeatedly shown to the public and there is no more expectation of privacy in the physical characteristics of a writing than there is in the quality of his voice”

US vs. Mara 410 US 19, 35 L ED zd 99 (1973).


Is handwriting private?

Other parties argue that handwriting should be private to the individual: in Israel Rudi Danor wrote (4 Feb 1988)

“in a recent court case, the judge has considered a report of a graphologist an illegal invasion of privacy and judged accordingly.”


The law, agreed practice and good practice.

Surely it is good practice to secure consent

i.e. explain the purpose before collecting a specimen

Then the writer can make an informed decision to cooperate.


Milestones


Milestones

1946 - GGCF


Milestones


Milestones

1983 - BIG

1946 - GGCF


Milestones


Milestones

1983 - BIG

1990 - ADEG

1946 - GGCF


Milestones


Milestones

1983 -BIG

1990 - ADEG

1994 – USA

1946 - GGCF


Code similarities

• Terms used in the code are defined.• Public confidence in the discipline shall not

be intentionally abused.• No activity will be misrepresented as the

discipline • All confidential information and material

relating to a client to be held in strict confidence


Code similarities

• Considerations made for: minors, old, sick.• Reporting must distinguish between results and

interpretation.• Conclusions that are inconsistent with evidence

shall not be knowingly communicated.• Members will not make anyone else break the

code and non-members are invited to accept the code

• National law or nationally agreed standards apply before the code.


Principles of the Data Protection Act 1998

Personal data shall:• be processed fairly and lawfully.• be obtained only for one or more specified and

lawful purposes • not be processed in any manner incompatible with

that purpose or those purposes.• be adequate, relevant and not excessive.• be accurate and where necessary kept up to date.• not be kept for longer than is necessary for that

purpose.


Principles of the Data Protection Act 1998

• Personal data shall be processed according to the rights of data subjects.

• Appropriate technical and organisational measures shall be taken against unauthorised or unlawful processing of personal data and against accidental loss or destruction or damage to personal data.

• not be transferred to a country / territory outside the EEA unless the country ensures an adequate level of protection for the rights and freedoms of data subjects.


Interesting Case


Switzerland

• Job applicants can expect employers to keep their graphological report with their personnel files.

• The Swiss Federal Data Protection Commissioner (SDP) say that an employee can view and have a copy of their graphological report.

• The SSG/SGG code goes further and specifies that the writer can receive it, without monetary charge.


Switzerland

Graphological reports must be destroyed by companies who do not employ candidates.

For those who were employed, at the termination of employment the graphological report must be destroyed.

(Swiss Federal Data Protection Commissioner (SDP) guidelines 4.4)


An Opportunity

• An opportunity exists for graphologists to take control over their reports

• It is possible to explain the basis of the report, indirectly highlighting limitations

• “Health warnings” exist for most products and services sold today

• They are recommended for graphology.


“Health” Warnings

1. The name of the analyst;

2. The material used for the analysis. Whether made from an original, a photocopy, a fax or scan;

3. The date of specimen & date of birth of the subject;


“Health” Warnings

4. The handedness of the subject;

5. The writing instrument used;

6. A “use by date”.

7. Whether the subject gave informed consent;

8. Any other relevant information.


Summary


Summary

• Codes have similarities

• Codes are becoming legal requirements

• Switzerland is a good example of the future

• “Health warnings” are recommended


Codes of Conduct for Graphology in Europe

By Nigel Bradley, University of Westminster.

Email [email protected]

Prepared for the Graphology Symposium, Oxford, UK 3 Sept 2005.

Nigel Bradley (2005) Codes of Conduct & Graphology by Nigel Bradley University of Westminster.

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