Urine Collection Jars versus Video Games: Perceptions of Three Stakeholder Groups toward Drug and Impairment Testing Programs

Abstract

The use of drug testing in the workplace is a controversial practice. Scholars, practitioners, unions, and organizations have therefore begun to explore whether there are alternative approaches to reduce counterproductive behaviors at work. We investigated the perceptions of labor relations experts, drivers of transportation vehicles, and users of public transportation services toward drug and impairment testing programs in the workplace. Impairment testing was viewed as more favorable in terms of combating and controlling counterproductive behaviors at work than drug testing. Perceptions of fairness, effectiveness in detecting impaired performance, and the potential to enhance a safer working environment were higher in the impairment testing condition as compared to the drug testing condition. Perceived invasiveness was lower in the impairment testing condition relative to the drug testing condition. Labor relations experts showed the least enthusiasm for both drug testing and impairment testing programs.