Goodwill

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Facts

Goodwill is changing from a model that seeks to ameliorate problems to one in which it seeks to prevent problems. It seeks to do this by offering programs that help its employees break the cycle of poverty. In order to maximize its return Goodwill needs a system to collect employee data so it may target programs across a wide geography to specific areas in which they are needed. Currently it has had some success with distributing a voluntary computerized survey but feels that the voluntary nature limits its effectiveness and would like to make the survey mandatory so that it has more accurate data on which to base its program offerings. Concerns have been raised as to the legality and appropriateness of such a decision.

Currently the voluntary survey is administered in private at computer terminals located at in its stores and other workplaces. To ensure that data is not duplicated and employees are asked to provide their social security number. Because they would like the survey to become mandatory the survey questions have been paired down in order to respect the workers privacy. Types of information include:

1. Specific Disability information

2. Criminal Background

3. Income Source

4. Household size

5. Household income

6. Housing status

7. Auto ownership

8. Education level completed

*See Figure * for the actual survey.

Alternatives

A number of alternatives to the current proposal exist.

Information Technology -- It seems that much of the information exists already in the form of employment applications and federal or state mandated paperwork. Other information could be available from routine background checks. Rather than require invasive survey it could be possible to utilize information tech...

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...erging liability issues." LegalTrac. Employee Relations Law Journal 17.4. 1992. http://find.galegroup.com.proxy.ulib.iupui.edu/gtx/infomark.do?&contentSet=IAC-Documents&type=retrieve&tabID=T002&prodId=LT&docId=A11976146&source=gale&srcprod=LT&userGroupName=iulib_iupui&version=1.0 (accessed June 20, 2010).

Soto, Catalina. "Employee Assistance Program Liability and Workplace Privacy." Springer. Journal of Business and Psychology, Vol. 5, No. 4. Summer 1991. http://www.jstor.org/stable/25092311 (accessed June 20, 2010).

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The ADA: Your Employment Rights as an Individual With a Disability. March 05, 2005. your employer cannot require that you take a medical examination or ask questions about your disability unless they are related to your job and necessary for the conduct of your employer's business (accessed 06 29, 2010).

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