Reference Letters And The Uninformed Business Educator: A U.S. Legal Perspective

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Pia A. Albinsson PhD, Associate Professor (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/

Abstract: While providing references to students, business professors have to meet dual demands of giving sincere references to prospective employers while avoiding any potential litigation claims of “defamation” and “violation of privacy” from the students. While the approach of providing bare minimum information may seem to mitigate the risk of litigation claims of defamation from former students, it might serve as a potential pitfall for facing “intentional misrepresentation” liability from the prospective employer. This paper addresses these concerns, together with other legal issues U.S. business educators face in this area of potential liability. Suggestions are offered to those who provide references for the purpose of minimizing the possibility of litigation exposure, either from the student or from his future employer.

Additional Information

Publication
Compton, Nina and Albinsson, Pia A. (2013) "REFERENCE LETTERS AND THE UNINFORMED BUSINESS EDUCATOR: A U.S. LEGAL PERSPECTIVE," Administrative Issues Journal: Vol. 3 : Iss. 1 , Article 4. Publisher version of record available at: https://dc.swosu.edu/aij/vol3/iss1/4
Language: English
Date: 2013
Keywords
Reference Letters, Business Educator, Defamation, Violation of Privacy, Protection Guidelines

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