Is Listing an Unrelated PhD on a Business Card Misleading? Seeking Your Thoughts

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 Master's 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 they 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," where does this prohibition come from? I mean, is there a rule book for this sort of thing? All opinions are welcome. Thanks.

It is not illegal to write "Phd." However, some people might interpret it as "Phd" in social settings. To make things clear and easily understood without having to interpret, it would be useful to mention "Phd" and in brackets mention [subject - whatever it is].

Regards,
LEO LINGHAM

Thanks, Leo, but... That's it? That's all you've got? Come on, 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! Come on! This is a real-life situation. If this were a situation in your office, what would you do?

Jack,

Maybe it's illegal, maybe it's not. The legality question depends on the laws of the particular country where the person practices.

Regardless of that, the rulebook that must guide the person to be 'honest' is inside his head. Let's say it is not illegal, but the little voice in the head (inner rule book) should direct the person to 'correctly represent himself' on his card.

This is my take on it, Jack.

Amruth

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, then 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 vs. 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 [Login to view]

Okay, so this is interesting to me because, in general, you all have charted a middle 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 healthcare field, and took a job in the pharmaceutical 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 and 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.

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

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