Polygraph tests and the technology underscoring these tests are still, after more than 100 years in operation, very controversial. There is an enormous amount of literature on the topic of polygraph examinations as well as the validity, reliability, and its usefulness in both criminal and civil applications of these tests. Criticism against the use of these tests revolves mainly around the issues of unreliability and invalidity, however the use of polygraph examinations have become very popular in the workplace, and the common law in South Africa has developed to the level where the jurisprudence have accepted polygraph testing as admissible (when certain conditions are met) and to be accurate, making these tests a great investigative tool for employers when wanting to ascertaining a person’s honesty levels.

Polygraph examinations in the workplace offer the advantage of uncovering hidden information and verifying the truth, particularly in cases of suspicion such as employee theft. They serve as a deterrent against future misconduct by making employees aware of monitoring, even when used solely for integrity testing. However, drawbacks include the risk of false positives, emphasizing the importance of proper examiner training and validated techniques. The inability of polygraph results to stand alone as evidence, coupled with their inadmissibility in court, highlights the need for caution in relying solely on these tests. Businesses must navigate the delicate balance between utilizing polygraph exams for accountability and recognizing employees’ rights within the framework of legal and labor regulations.