HI - I'm a visitor from another forum (degreediscussion.com) a distance learning discussion forum. There's a small debate going on and you folks could provide some valuable input. Here's the scenario:
A person with a Masters degree in Social Work (MSW) earns a PhD in an area unrelated to their main job function. Let's say they are a Therapist and thet earn a legitimate, accredited PhD in History.
Would it be misleading for them to list the PhD on a business card? If their business card read, John Doe, MSW, PhD would that mislead people into thinking that the PhD was a Social Work degree or a Psychology degree? Would there be any prohibition against listing the PhD? If the answer is "yes" for where does this prohibition come? I mean, is there a rule book for this sort of thing?
All opinions are welcome. Thanks.
From United States, Wolcott
A person with a Masters degree in Social Work (MSW) earns a PhD in an area unrelated to their main job function. Let's say they are a Therapist and thet earn a legitimate, accredited PhD in History.
Would it be misleading for them to list the PhD on a business card? If their business card read, John Doe, MSW, PhD would that mislead people into thinking that the PhD was a Social Work degree or a Psychology degree? Would there be any prohibition against listing the PhD? If the answer is "yes" for where does this prohibition come? I mean, is there a rule book for this sort of thing?
All opinions are welcome. Thanks.
From United States, Wolcott
It is not illegal to write '' Phd ''.
But some people might interpret it as '' Phd '' in
social.
To make things
-clear
-easilt understood
-without having to interpret
IT WOULD BE USEFUL TO MENTION
''Phd'' AND IN BRACKET MENTION [ SUBJECT-WHATEVER IT IS .]
regards
LEO LINGHAM
From India, Mumbai
260But some people might interpret it as '' Phd '' in
social.
To make things
-clear
-easilt understood
-without having to interpret
IT WOULD BE USEFUL TO MENTION
''Phd'' AND IN BRACKET MENTION [ SUBJECT-WHATEVER IT IS .]
regards
LEO LINGHAM
From India, Mumbai
Thanks Leo but . . .
That's it? That's all you've got? C'mon you guys you're supposed to be the HR pros and all you can tell me is, "Well, it's not illegal..."
I already knew that!
C'mon! This is a real life situation. If this were a situation in your office what would you do?
From United States, Wolcott
That's it? That's all you've got? C'mon you guys you're supposed to be the HR pros and all you can tell me is, "Well, it's not illegal..."
I already knew that!
C'mon! This is a real life situation. If this were a situation in your office what would you do?
From United States, Wolcott
Jack,
Maybe it's illegal, maybe it's not.
The legality question depends on the laws of the particular country where the person practises.
Regardless of that, the rule book that must guide the person to be 'honest' is inside his head.
let's say it is not illegal , but the little voice inthe head ( inner rule book) should direct the person to 'correctly represent himself' on his card.
( this is my take on it, jack )
Amruth
From India, Mumbai
Maybe it's illegal, maybe it's not.
The legality question depends on the laws of the particular country where the person practises.
Regardless of that, the rule book that must guide the person to be 'honest' is inside his head.
let's say it is not illegal , but the little voice inthe head ( inner rule book) should direct the person to 'correctly represent himself' on his card.
( this is my take on it, jack )
Amruth
From India, Mumbai
Jack:
The issue, as I see it, is more ethical than legal. What is the purpose of the business card? If it is to present themselves as a Social Worker, than the MSW is appropriate. On the other hand, if one wants to present themselves as a History expert, the PhD is appropriate.
However, to put the MSW and PhD on the same card without explanation as to the distinction - Therapist v History - would constitute a misleading and therefore unethical practice. I agree with Leo, ("Mr. John Jones, PhD(History), MSW(Therapy"), tailor the card to the practice/business.
The person will have sufficient opportunity to explain their educational background in a brochure, or resume, or at the initial client/employer meeting.
Bill Kuzmin
PALADIN Human Resource Consulting
From United States,
The issue, as I see it, is more ethical than legal. What is the purpose of the business card? If it is to present themselves as a Social Worker, than the MSW is appropriate. On the other hand, if one wants to present themselves as a History expert, the PhD is appropriate.
However, to put the MSW and PhD on the same card without explanation as to the distinction - Therapist v History - would constitute a misleading and therefore unethical practice. I agree with Leo, ("Mr. John Jones, PhD(History), MSW(Therapy"), tailor the card to the practice/business.
The person will have sufficient opportunity to explain their educational background in a brochure, or resume, or at the initial client/employer meeting.
Bill Kuzmin
PALADIN Human Resource Consulting
From United States,
OK, so this is interesting to me because, in general, you all have charted a middke course through this issue. Some people (on the other forum)have said, "You should not even put the PhD on your card because it is misleading." Others have said, "In this age, where people change careers several times during their lives, a person should be able to list their credentials openly (as with a business card) without being accused of misbehavior."
What if a person was a Social Worker (MSW) and had a job as an Administrator, finally left the health care field and took a job in the pharmatceutical industry. At that point they earn a PhD in Business administration. Can they then list their credentials as "John Doe, MSW, PhD without worrying that someone will assume the PhD is in Social Work or Psychology? My question is, at what point is it no longer the responsibility of the individual to correct the misconceptions of others?
If you were handed a business card that had the Microsoft logo on it ad it said, John Doe, PhD Assistant Director of ________ , what would you assume to be the subject of John Doe's Doctoral degree? Is it his responsibility to inform you, on his card, the area of his degree? Does anyone, anywhere ever really do this? I've never seen it. Anywhere/Ever. Don't get me wrong. I'm asking because I want to know, based on your specialized area of knowledge/experience.
From United States, Wolcott
What if a person was a Social Worker (MSW) and had a job as an Administrator, finally left the health care field and took a job in the pharmatceutical industry. At that point they earn a PhD in Business administration. Can they then list their credentials as "John Doe, MSW, PhD without worrying that someone will assume the PhD is in Social Work or Psychology? My question is, at what point is it no longer the responsibility of the individual to correct the misconceptions of others?
If you were handed a business card that had the Microsoft logo on it ad it said, John Doe, PhD Assistant Director of ________ , what would you assume to be the subject of John Doe's Doctoral degree? Is it his responsibility to inform you, on his card, the area of his degree? Does anyone, anywhere ever really do this? I've never seen it. Anywhere/Ever. Don't get me wrong. I'm asking because I want to know, based on your specialized area of knowledge/experience.
From United States, Wolcott
Jack:
A business card is not a resume or CV. It’s purpose is solely as an introduction, or a source of reference.
“…took a job in the pharmaceutical industry“. As what? An Administrator? Define your terms.
“Can they then list their credentials as "John Doe, MSW, PhD without worrying that someone will assume the PhD is in Social Work or Psychology?” I don’t think so. The assumption most people would hold, at least those without curiosity, is that the PhD is in the same field as the MSW.
If the person left the health care field then, I believe (s)he should drop the MSW, since it’s irrelevant. The PhD is sufficient.
Since the PhD is in Business Administration (in your initial post, the example you gave referenced History), it has relevance in most, if not, all fields. I think that the tendency of some people is to ask “What is your specialty?”, especially in the pharmaceutical business, where most professionals are PhD’s. What would the reaction be when they learned that your degree was in BUS AD rather than research, toxicology or other area where a PhD has some standing.? By misleading people, especially associates and superiors, you are opening yourself to being labeled, at best “a player”, at worse a fraud.
"My question is, at what point is it no longer the responsibility of the individual to correct the misconceptions of others? When the receiving party has full knowledge of the background and expertise of the person handing off the card.
“If you were handed a business card that had the Microsoft logo on it ad it said, John Doe, PhD Assistant Director of ________ ,….” Fill in the blank and I’ll tell you. If it said Administration, I would assume that it was in Bus Ad; if it was Marketing, I would assume Marketing; if it was in Accounting, I would assume Finance. But, bottom line, I would make it a priority, through “idle chit chat” to discover what his area of expertise really is, and whether or not he is who he claims to be.
It has been my experience, 25 years in HR, with emphasis on Labor Relations, and Statutory Compliance, that degrees and titles do not mean much. It is the person in front of me that I see. Some of the finest people I have dealt with over the years did not have a formal degree, yet they had PhD’s in integrity, honesty, forthrightness and personal pride. Their word was their degree, their actions were their thesis. They generated respect and confidence, not with the letters after their name on a business card but through their day to day relationships. That is why, I ignore titles and degrees, and look for the substance in the person.
Too many people feel that the title or degree will serve them well in the business world, too many people were wrong. It only opens some doors, it does not guarantee success. There are PhD’s driving taxi cabs in New York.
Bill Kuzmin
PALADIN Human Resources Consulting
From United States,
A business card is not a resume or CV. It’s purpose is solely as an introduction, or a source of reference.
“…took a job in the pharmaceutical industry“. As what? An Administrator? Define your terms.
“Can they then list their credentials as "John Doe, MSW, PhD without worrying that someone will assume the PhD is in Social Work or Psychology?” I don’t think so. The assumption most people would hold, at least those without curiosity, is that the PhD is in the same field as the MSW.
If the person left the health care field then, I believe (s)he should drop the MSW, since it’s irrelevant. The PhD is sufficient.
Since the PhD is in Business Administration (in your initial post, the example you gave referenced History), it has relevance in most, if not, all fields. I think that the tendency of some people is to ask “What is your specialty?”, especially in the pharmaceutical business, where most professionals are PhD’s. What would the reaction be when they learned that your degree was in BUS AD rather than research, toxicology or other area where a PhD has some standing.? By misleading people, especially associates and superiors, you are opening yourself to being labeled, at best “a player”, at worse a fraud.
"My question is, at what point is it no longer the responsibility of the individual to correct the misconceptions of others? When the receiving party has full knowledge of the background and expertise of the person handing off the card.
“If you were handed a business card that had the Microsoft logo on it ad it said, John Doe, PhD Assistant Director of ________ ,….” Fill in the blank and I’ll tell you. If it said Administration, I would assume that it was in Bus Ad; if it was Marketing, I would assume Marketing; if it was in Accounting, I would assume Finance. But, bottom line, I would make it a priority, through “idle chit chat” to discover what his area of expertise really is, and whether or not he is who he claims to be.
It has been my experience, 25 years in HR, with emphasis on Labor Relations, and Statutory Compliance, that degrees and titles do not mean much. It is the person in front of me that I see. Some of the finest people I have dealt with over the years did not have a formal degree, yet they had PhD’s in integrity, honesty, forthrightness and personal pride. Their word was their degree, their actions were their thesis. They generated respect and confidence, not with the letters after their name on a business card but through their day to day relationships. That is why, I ignore titles and degrees, and look for the substance in the person.
Too many people feel that the title or degree will serve them well in the business world, too many people were wrong. It only opens some doors, it does not guarantee success. There are PhD’s driving taxi cabs in New York.
Bill Kuzmin
PALADIN Human Resources Consulting
From United States,
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