BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION Meaning and
Definition
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Background investigation refers to the process of conducting a thorough examination and research into an individual's personal, professional, and social history to assess their trustworthiness, reliability, and suitability for a particular role or purpose. It involves collecting comprehensive information about a person's background, including but not limited to their education, employment history, criminal records, financial behavior, reputation, references, and personal relationships.
The purpose of a background investigation is to gather relevant and reliable information in order to make informed decisions regarding an individual's character, integrity, and potential risks they may pose to an organization, government agency, or specific position. It is commonly conducted by employers during the hiring process, law enforcement agencies, immigration authorities, and security organizations.
Background investigations typically combine various methods of research, such as conducting interviews, verifying employment and educational records, checking references, conducting criminal record checks, reviewing credit history, scrutinizing social media profiles, and examining public records. The information obtained during the investigation is analyzed and evaluated to provide an accurate representation of an individual's background. This assists in mitigating potential risks, ensuring the safety and security of organizations, and protecting the interests of the individuals involved.
Overall, background investigations are an essential tool for assessing an individual's background, character, and suitability, providing a comprehensive understanding of their history to make informed decisions while establishing trust and maintaining security.
Etymology of BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
The word "background" can be traced back to the late 17th century, where it derived from the Middle English word "background" or "bakground" meaning "the part of a picture or scene that appears furthest from the viewer". It combines the words "back" and "ground", indicating the part of an image that is behind or in the distance.
The word "investigation" has Latin roots and originated from the Latin word "investigare", which means "to trace out" or "to search into". It entered the English language in the early 17th century and refers to the act of carrying out a thorough inquiry or examination into something.
