From Measure to Construct: An Investigation of the Nomological Network of Credit Scores

Despite the fact that many organizations use credit scores as an employment screening tool, little is known about the legitimacy of such practices. To address this important gap, the present study draws on integrity research to define credit scores as a construct of behavioral reliability. The authors investigate a nomological network to position this construct in relation to dispositional antecedents and performance-related consequences. Using personality data collected from employees, objective credit scores obtained from the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO), and performance data provided by supervisors, the reported research found FICO scores are positively associated with conscientiousness and negatively associated with agreeableness and excitement-seeking. Results also indicated significant relationships between FICO scores and task performance and organizational citizenship behaviors. FICO scores did not, however, predict workplace deviance. Implications for organizations currently using or planning to use credit scores as part of the screening process are discussed.