The Power of Truth in Management

By: Melvin R. Royo

One of mankind’s greatest stressors in our daily lives is to handle the degree of being honest. To tell the truth and nothing but the truth or sometimes truth does not really set us free. Considering lines from the books in the Bible, Proverbs 12:12 “The lip of truth shall be established forever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment” or “If you continue in My word… you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free” – Jesus (John 8:31). These are only a few lines which guide mankind to live a peaceful and better life here on earth.

We have all been taught to tell the truth since our childhood. Despite the conflicting instructions and situations, we are sometimes opted not to tell the truth just not to hurt others’ feelings. Our alibi will be “It would be okay because this is just a white lie”. But the degree of white lie is sometimes a cliché which makes others may continuously endure the pain of dishonesty. On the other hand, when confronted with contradictions, liars just smile sheepishly.

“Truth is the secret if eloquence and of virtue, the basis of moral authority; it is the highest summit of art and of life” – Henri Frederic Amiel. The word “truth” is also often used as tagline to promote companies and products. It is even used as company name.

Before landing a job, I got fascinated with Truth Verifier Systems, Inc. I was quite briefed by my friend who was then employed with the said company. It is a private detective company noted for its exemplary service, expertise, integrity and truthful reporting. These are the identities of the company. Polygraph Test, commonly known as Lie Detector, was the company’s bread and butter in its starting years way back 1966. The company President Conrado G. Dumlao, however, never chose the company name Lie Detector but rather in a positive tone which is “Truth Verifier” Systems, Inc.

The company, as it grows older, engaged in other services too. It later offered investigative and detective services. As such, missions are in search for truth. Truth behind contradictions and search for evidence.

Considering its company identity, pressures are in the management. Being truthful to the clients when it comes to the services is a very crucial thing to be regarded. Also, to maintain the trust and harmonious relationship between the clients and the company; thereby, staying in the business longer.

Unlike with manufacturing firms, they have the so-called “rejects” after the quality control; there are also “backorders” for some products which might need to be refined or reprocessed to make it useful again. In services, “trial and error” is not an option. A job of a private detective always adheres to truth.


Every piece of information being provided to the client always has a basis of truth. What have been said was said already. It might damage or uplift one’s name but it is definitely hard to retract such information.

For instance, Truth Verifier Systems, Inc. does not only cater investigation services to its clients. The company also conducts Pre-employment Lie Detector Test and Background Check to its applicants. Pre-employment Lie Detector Test is designed to test whether an applicant is truthful or not in the application form. It is also designed to know the problems that might interfere with the job. Meanwhile, a Periodic Audit is designed to reassess the present employees to determine their honesty and inimical activities in the workplace that escaped the ordinary observation in the course of routine management.

Truth and honesty are critical elements for the success of company. Department Managers must know how to handle the truth without compromising its routine and the relationships towards subordinates and clients. This also includes stockholders to accurately convey the potential problem areas that could impact the entire management. Most employees find it easy to report good things, however, the reality is, if it is bad news, truth becomes more elusive. This lack of accurate information can result to poor project plans and unanticipated risk event surprises. Therefore, having inaccurate or incomplete information is a risk that must be properly addressed.

Management is a great factor on the working behaviors of the employees. As often said, “it takes two to tango”; but others now say, “it takes three to disco”. It may sound hilarious but it is quite true. The management should not only focus on its employees but also on how to take care of the clients. Good and constant communication between the company, employees and the clients certainly helps establish a harmonious relationship among them.

On the other hand, management’s vulnerability is a great factor on employees’ deceitfulness. It has something to do with the implementation of the company policies. The very heart of management is discipline of the individual in a collective activity. To reconcile ourselves to this fundamental requirement, we need education and it is a long and painful process. The importance is to turn discipline into a willing exertion or labor. It has to be a willing job, discharge with a smile. The employees are inspired to be truthful when they see that the management is practicing honesty in the workplace as well as to its clients. Truth Verifier Systems, Inc. has been living up with its name through these years thereby gaining respect and integrity to the industry. Remember, magic experiences leave lasting positive impression for repeat sales. If treated well, five others will be informed but if badly treated, ten people will know.

Management consists of the creation of the proper relationships between the productive factors of a business unit within an industry and the maintenance of these relationships in terms of changing conditions. This definition brings out the true implications of management.