Why don't MBB drug test?

Hi! In many countries drug testing by the employer would be totally illegal (this is oftentimes restricted to certain professions like bus drivbers, pilots, etc.)! MBBs are very global organizations, and they are standardizing many of their standard operating procedures. As such, drug testing is not something that is very compativle with the SOPs of such standardized organizations.

That being said - depending on specific situational needs, this might change at some point.

Cheers, Sidi

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Dr. Sidi S. Koné

Former Senior Engagement Manager & Interviewer at McKinsey | Former Senior Consultant at BCG | Co-Founder of The MBB Offer Machine™

Agreed with the other coaches! (Also agreed some clients *might* still require it)

Hi there, 

That's a good question. 

Presumably they are so selective with the application process that they assume by default that you don't struggle with drugs. 

Some clients that consulting firms serve do test however. I don't know specifically about instances where they did drug tests, but I was part of mining projects where alcohol testing was done daily and everyone was subjected to it. 

Best,
Cristian

Hi,

In addition to the responses - I'll share my thoughts on this. There's probably an element of personal integrity assumed in the screening process, and also a general respect for ‘freedom’ which may differ depending on country context. 

Also in my experience, its often more common for drug testing to be done for firms or agencies where usage of drugs is in direct contradiction of their explicitly stated mission/ethics, and/or could be used as negative leverage against an employee. So typically government agencies, law enforcement, or intelligence agencies. 

Hi there,

Adding on one point to the other views - in general, the firms by default trust that employees that meet their stringent recruiting requirements (including the personal fit with the company's values) do the right thing. Drug tests would represent a sever contradiction to the later. 

Hope this explains.

Regards, Andi

Hello,

I don't know the official reason, but I think there's a sense of integrity and rigorous evaluation during the screening process that presupposes that you're not using drugs. I would also guess that, because of how collaborative and team-based the work is, any irrational behavior due to drug usage on the job would quickly become apparent to one's teammates, and repercussions will swiftly follow.