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DNA Testing For Jobs May Be On Its Way, Warns Gartner (computerworld.com)

Reader dcblogs writes: It is illegal today to use DNA testing for employment, but as science advances its understanding of genes that correlate to certain desirable traits -- such as leadership and intelligence -- business may want this information. People seeking leadership roles in business, or even those in search of funding for a start-up, may volunteer their DNA test results to demonstrate that they have the right aptitude, leadership capabilities and intelligence for the job. This may sound farfetched, but it's possible based on the direction of the science, according to Gartner analysts David Furlonger and Stephen Smith, who presented their research Wednesday at the firm's Symposium IT/xpo in Orlando. This research is called 'maverick' in Gartner parlance, meaning it has a somewhat low probability and is still years out, but its potential is nonetheless worrisome to the authors. It isn't as radical as it seems. Job selection on the basis of certain desirable genetic characteristics is already common in the military and sports. Even without testing, businesses, governments and others may use this understanding about how some characteristics are genetically determined to develop new interview methodologies and testing to help identify candidates predisposed to the traits they desire.

6 of 228 comments (clear)

  1. Big news by Kohath · · Score: 5, Funny

    Something that isn't happening may someday happen.

  2. Re:testing...for.. by Kohath · · Score: 5, Funny

    If you test positive for DNA, you're not eligible.

  3. Crippled Jude Law's Blood to the Rescue? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Don't worry, we've got a plan!

  4. Re:testing...for.. by stealth_finger · · Score: 1, Funny

    Testing for jobs? WHAT JOBS?

    Steve Jobs

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  5. Re:Not to Sound iIke a Snowflake... by lgw · · Score: 3, Funny

    This would be terrifying, but it's a prediction by Gartner, so somehow I'm not worried.

    --
    Socialism: a lie told by totalitarians and believed by fools.
  6. Re:testing...for.. by Anne+Thwacks · · Score: 4, Funny
    He's Dead, Jim. . . .

    but not as we know it!

    --
    Sent from my ASR33 using ASCII