PA TIMES, July 2000

Truth Telling -- what is it?

Most of us subscribe to the view that telling the truth is better than not telling the truth about a situation. But are there occasions or circumstances under which we can tell the truth but withhold information? Take, for instance, the resume. Is it okay to omit certain job related information if you feel it is not relevant for the position you are applying for? Suppose you are applying for a top management position in a municipality. Would it be okay to omit information about a previous management position you held with a private sector firm, especially if you had a falling out with the CEO?

Or, suppose you are a college professor who teaches graduate courses in public administration and who supplements her salary with a respectable income from consulting with public agencies. And, suppose you are seeking employment with another college--should you withhold information about your consulting work? Is this relevant? Is the practice of "selective disclosure" truth telling? What do you think?

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