How would you handle a situation where an employee is resistant to compliance training or policies?

Pharmaceutical Compliance Officer Interview Questions

Sample answer to the question

If an employee is resistant to compliance training or policies, I would first try to understand the reasons behind their resistance. It could be due to a lack of awareness about the importance of compliance or misunderstanding about the policies. I would schedule a one-on-one meeting with the employee to discuss their concerns and provide them with clear explanations about the reasons for compliance training and policies. If necessary, I would provide additional resources or examples to help them understand the potential consequences of non-compliance. I would also emphasize the company's commitment to ethical conduct and the impact it has on the pharmaceutical industry. Ultimately, I believe that open communication and education are key to addressing resistance to compliance.

A more solid answer

In my previous role as a Compliance Officer at a pharmaceutical company, I encountered a similar situation where an employee was resistant to compliance training. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting with the employee to discuss their concerns and provide them with personalized examples of the potential risks associated with non-compliance. I also shared success stories of employees who had embraced compliance and the positive impact it had on their careers. Additionally, I offered additional resources, such as training materials and job aids, to help the employee better understand and apply the compliance policies. By addressing the employee's concerns and providing them with the necessary information and support, I was able to help them overcome their resistance and participate actively in compliance training.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer goes beyond the basic response by providing specific details and examples from past experiences. It demonstrates the candidate's problem-solving skills and verbal communication skills by describing how they addressed resistance to compliance training in a previous role.

An exceptional answer

In a similar situation, I took a proactive approach by conducting a thorough analysis of the employee's resistance. I discovered that the resistance stemmed from a lack of confidence in their ability to apply the compliance policies in their day-to-day work. To address this, I developed a personalized training plan for the employee, focusing on practical scenarios and hands-on practice. I also assigned a mentor who had a strong track record in compliance to provide guidance and support. Additionally, I created a feedback loop where the employee could share their challenges and receive constructive feedback. This approach helped the employee build confidence and gradually embrace compliance training and policies. As a result, their performance improved significantly, and they became an advocate for compliance within the department.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer includes a detailed and proactive approach to handling resistance to compliance training or policies. It demonstrates the candidate's ability to analyze complex information, assess compliance, and develop effective solutions. The candidate's experience in developing personalized training plans and assigning mentors highlights their strong organizational and problem-solving skills. The candidate's approach also promotes collaboration and teamwork, which aligns with the job description.

How to prepare for this question

Research the importance of compliance in the pharmaceutical industry and its impact on patient safety and regulatory requirements.
Think of specific examples of how you have successfully addressed resistance to compliance training or policies in previous roles.
Prepare to explain how you would assess the reasons behind an employee's resistance and develop a tailored approach to address their concerns.
Consider how you can promote a positive and supportive compliance culture within the organization.
Brush up on your knowledge of relevant pharmaceutical laws, regulations, and industry guidelines.

What interviewers are evaluating

Problem-solving skills
Verbal communication skills