...Unit 6: Diversity and Affirmative Action Lecture Reading: (1) “Diversity,” by George Sher; “A defense of Diversity Affirmative Action,” by James Sterba; Barbara Grutter, Petition, v. Lee Bollinger, et al. (including dissent and amici briefs)(U.S. Supreme Court); Local 28 Sheet Metal Workers’ Intl. Ass. V. EEOC (U.S. Supreme Court); Unit # 6 Lecture. Case #2 Mr. Sing’s idea of hiring only Asian people for the waiting positions made sense. The whole idea around the authenticity of the Chinese restaurant was the environment. People go to eat Chinese food at a Chinese restaurant want to bona fide Chinese experience. This reminds me of the Hooters case that was all over the news several years ago. A man applied for the food serving job in Texas and was turned away for obvious reasons. I believe he ended up settling. The judge should have thrown out that case to begin with. Let me expand on this a little. I was in India a couple of years ago on a business trip. During that trip, I became very close to a few customers. One evening during dinner and some drinks, someone mentioned something about “female” belly dancers in India and that I should check them out. I was not sure what to think at that moment, but reluctantly said, “Sure, we should go some time before I go home.” About two days before the planned excursion, I read an article in the newspaper that some 20% of the belly dancers were actually male dancers, and not women. I immediately went to the customers and...
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...A Defense of Diversity Affirmative Action It is certain that there has been racial discrimination in the United States, and some minority groups are still disadvantaged. Affirmative action has striven to alleviate this problem, but it has met with objections. In the article, “A Defense of Diversity Affirmative Action,” the author James P. Sterba (2003) has entered the controversy, and holds that there should be more affirmative action. This paper argues that while Sterba has made some valid points, many of his points can be challenged, and his argument is narrowly focused on the sole issue of racial inequity and the sole solution of affirmative action in university admissions, with the result that it ignores many business ethics issues and broader social interests and solutions. Sterba has made some claims and then presented his recommendations. It is logical to first lay out the claims, and then the recommendations that flow from the claims. Sterba makes the claim that society in the United States is “far from being color-blind (racially just) or gender-free (sexually just)” (p. 217). He states that there is considerable discrimination in hiring. For example, among men who had participated in job training programs, the jobless rate for whites, light-skinned blacks and dark-skinned blacks were 14.5%, 11.1% and 26.8% respectively (p. 218). Sterba also claims that universities do not voluntarily follow the policy of attempting to obtain a student body that reflects the ethnic...
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...It has come to my attention that there are no affirmative action policies in place within your company. With today’s workforce becoming increasingly diverse through a wide variety of ways, it is important to follow Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws and values. Already accomplishing a steady progression, EEO can be taken a step further in the right direction. Affirmative action is that step. Affirmative action supports minority representation in the workforce and does not support reverse discrimination as some may say (Bohlander & Snell, 2006). Not only is affirmative action in compliance with EEO laws, but it is also just plain good for business. For this reason, I urge this company’s board of directors to implement affirmative action policies. Affirmative action has much to do with forming a balanced workforce (Bohlander & Snell, 2006). Diversity is the key to that balance. By analyzing your workforce to see how diverse it actually is, you can produce a strategy to correct areas of past discrimination (Bohlander & Snell, 2006). Previous discrimination not only in this company, but throughout the entire United States, can be offset by forming an action plan now and for the future (Messerli, 2010). Implementing affirmative action policies now can ensure a less discriminatory future for protected classes. As previously stated, diversity is the key. Companies who put time and effort into recruiting, selecting, training, and promoting members of protected classes have the...
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...“Affirmative action” means positive steps taken to increase the representation of women and minorities in areas of employment, education, and business from which they have been historically excluded. When those steps involve preferential selection—selection on the basis of race, gender, or ethnicity—affirmative action generates intense controversy. Definition of Diversity The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual. Back to Diversity Initiatives Home Page Pros to Affirmative action: The Pro-Affirmative Action Side: It is a Fair and Necessary Program Proponents of Affirmative Action say that it is necessary to ensure that minorities have a fair opportunity in employment and education. The American Civil Liberties Union Briefing Paper #17 lists a number of reasons why Affirmative Action remains vital; among the statistics shared: Read more at Suite101: The Pros and Cons of Affirmative...
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...The query of whether organizations should utilize affirmative action plans to hire individuals is critical, because equal hiring practices require affirmative action plans. In this paper, I argue that within the current public perceptions or misinterpretations of affirmative action, and the question of what should be considered equal hiring policies, there is no simple answer to this controversial issue. Due to the weaknesses of the arguments against affirmative action plans, I will argue that employers should utilize affirmative action plans more often, given that it provides results in terms of higher diversity in the workplace. Before I begin, I need to define what I mean when I reference these terms. An organization will be regarded as...
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...Affirmative action is known for discrimination against people who are different, if this is true, why did the United States elect an African-American man to be the leader of a country for 8 years? If it’s true that affirmative action isn’t fair, then why are there more minorities graduating and getting Ph.D.s that can later help them in life? If affirmative action is all of these things, then how can some many minorities get an education they might have never dreamed of having? All of these things prove that affirmative action has a positive effect on college admissions because it creates diversity for colleges, it’s fair for the students, and it provides opportunities for the learners. Many think affirmative action causes discrimination but evidence shows that affirmative action creates diversity in colleges. For example, “academically qualified but economically disadvantaged students, racial, ethnic and socioeconomic diversity would all increase without sacrificing academic quality” ( “Should Race Be a Factor in College Admissions”). This shows that students who are economically disadvantaged can still go to...
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...Week 6 Knowledge Check Study Guide Concepts Mastery Score: 9 / 9 100% 100% Questions 1. Diversity in organizations makes good business sense because A. diversity is the new trend B. diverse organizations are popular C. diverse organizations have less legal problems D. a diverse organization can be helpful when expanding into global markets Correct: The Correct Answer is: D. Organizations must be positioned to their global markets. Having employees that are multicultural can assist in working with a diverse network of suppliers, customers, and strategic partners. 2. The demographics of the United States are changing so dramatically that over the coming decades it will be impossible for employers to fill their ranks with members of the traditional workforce, __________. A. white females B. males under forty C. baby boomers D. white males Correct: The Correct Answer is: D. By 2040, an estimated 70% of American workers will be either women or members of other races or nationalities. 3. To manage diversity, you should replace inflexibility and intolerance with A. care and concern B. fear and distance C. adaptability and acceptance D. discipline and segregation Correct: The Correct Answer is: C. Diversity can help organizations expand into global markets; build brand equity; increase consumer purchasing and grow the business; support the organization’s ...
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...Affirmative Action Initiatives were created in order to correct the wrongs of discrimination and to make equal opportunity a reality. Affirmative Action Initiatives were created by law to ensure equal rights for minorities and women as it pertains to college admissions and promotions within the workforce. The affirmative action initiatives have been scrutinized since its inception. The creation of the initiatives was the first step in a long battle to end discrimination. The original intent was to be aggressive with non-discrimination and to racially integrate the workforces. Affirmative action, originally (Consortium Journal Hospitality & Tourism, 2010) implemented as a means of righting past wrongs and leveling the playing field for minorities and women, has in some circles become a bad word synonymous with quotas, privilege, and reverse discrimination. Although the Initiatives were coined and created in 1961, it wasn’t until the Civil Rights Act in 1964, that racial discrimination was actually prohibited in the workforce. Those for the affirmative action initiatives view them as a positive. Opponents of the Initiatives believe the harm of racial discrimination has dissipated therefore affirmative action is not necessary. Those against believe that race based policies make minority achievement a white allowance and the failure of minorities a group stigma. Those against also believe the Initiatives were created as a means of compensating for all racially based...
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...Affirmative action - an action or policy favoring those who tend to suffer from discrimination, especially in relation to employment or education; positive discrimination. Affirmative action is one of the most controversial topics in American culture. Many people disagree to these laws because they believe that America doesn’t need them because we aren’t racist. However, many people don’t realize how racist America can still be, even if we aren’t thinking about it. Affirmative Action is necessary to ensure equal opportunity for all. The first reason this idea is true is because affirmative action is the only way to ensure diversity. Another strong reason why we need affirmative action is because it levels the playing ground for all. Finally,...
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...Affirmative action is a practice that is intended to promote opportunities for the “protected class” which includes minorities, woman, and people with disabilities or any disadvantaged group for that matter. With affirmative action in place people of this protected class are given an even playing field in terms of hiring, promotion, as well as compensation. Historically, affirmative action is only known to have protected African Americans and woman; however that is not the case. Affirmative action protects a variety of people and without this statute many people included in this protected class would be unfairly discriminated against. There are many reasons why affirmative action should continue to be a part of workplace such as: • Fosters diversity. • Educates our workforce on diversity. • Equips employees to achieve their highest contribution to the mission. • Challenges employees to make their maximum contribution to the mission. • Encourages employees to offer differing views and suggestions toward achieving organizational goals. • Respects and appreciates individual differences. • Provides equitable treatment and opportunities. • Creates and maintains an inclusive approach to all systems, policies, and practices (i.e., promotions, performance ratings, awards, training, assignments, and access to services). • Facilitates culture change to support wider diversity. People who are opposed to affirmative action often argue that it gives an unfair advantage to...
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...ruled that the use of affirmative action in school admissions is constitutional if it treats race as some factor. Is affirmative action still necessary for guaranteeing equal access to educational opportunities at elite universities and graduate schools? Should admissions decisions be based solely on academic criteria and merit? Key Words: affirmative action, Grutter V. Bollinger, and diversity. Grutter V. Bollinger Research Paper 3 Affirmative Action in Education Affirmative action was formed more than fifty years ago....
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...Alexander Herrera Diversity in the Workplace M3A1 Supporting Affirmative Action Empire State College Affirmative Action: often upon hearing this word, one will start thinking about quotas and reverse discrimination. However, contrary to this misconception, affirmative action is actually a policy that dictates that employers attempt to find diverse employees by exploring untraditional sources of labor. The goal of affirmative action is to create a work force that mirrors the population of the nation both in gender and in ethnicity (Rich, 2014). The two questions that we will be focusing on are: Is affirmative action necessary to give all Americans an equal opportunity to success? Does affirmative action counteract the discrimination that still exists in modern society? Affirmative action is not only morally justifiable, but it is also socially and economically preferable in order to improve our society. The United States’ government first implemented affirmative action to overcome some of the clear differences in living conditions between people of different genders and races. Unfortunately, these differences still exist and eliminating affirmative action now would be untimely for our nation. The need for affirmative action was a concept noticed in 1865 during the passages of the Civil War amendments. During those years our country was still practicing in slavery and wrongful treatment of the black race. While blacks were being forced to comply...
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...AFFIRMATIVE ACTION “Affirmative action has become a moral and political question which seems to divide Americans rather than unite them.” Those in favor of affirmative action support the idea of correcting racism and reversing the lasting effects of discrimination; those opposed to affirmative action feel that no group should be favored over another group based on sex or color of skin. Over the course of time, the development, defense, and contesting of affirmative action has been (1) legal and administrative as courts, legislatures, and executive departments of government have made and applied rules requiring affirmative action and (2) a public debate, where the practice of preferential treatment has produced controversy for and against. The United States affirmative action policies have helped to increase possibilities for minorities the ability to enter the work force, be admitted into colleges, and be awarded by government contracts. The underlying motive for affirmative action is the Constitutional principle of equal opportunity, which holds that all persons have the right to equal access to self-development. In other words, persons with equal abilities should have equal opportunities. The legal status of affirmative action was set by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which became the landmark of legislation prohibiting discrimination in voting, public education, accommodations, and employment in firms with more than fifteen employees. There are numerous reasons...
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...Affirmative Action In America University of Phoenix, Axia College Affirmative Action In America Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This statement will always ring true especially on the subject of equal opportunity employment and Affirmative Action. While Affirmative Action seemed to be a hot topic in the past, it is still one that should continue to be addressed. Affirmative Action is needed in the American workplace to improve morale and create equity among all Americans. The history of Affirmative Action (AA) is a long one. The first federal law passed was The Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law started the term, “Equal Opportunity Employment” and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The first legislation to pass was Executive Order number 11246 on September 24, 1965 (Aberson & Haag, 2003). This essentially stated that employers needed to take affirmative action to ensure no one was discriminated against for their race, religion, color, or country of origin. In more recent years, employers have added sexual orientation, abilities, and ethnicity to their list of nondiscrimination. Unfortunately, during these times white men were not always accepting of women and minorities in the workplace. Women who joined the workplace in the 1960s and 1970s were expected to do chores for the men in the workplace. They would also be sexually harassed and abused by their male coworkers...
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...mix of affirmative action legislation, anti-discrimination legislation and managing diversity approaches. Discuss. Equality is the complicated theory to explain because of the wide variety of meaning attached to concept. Depends on the article of Jewson and Mason’s (1986), they express the equality in liberal and radical approach. In the liberal view, equal opportunity, this exists when all individuals are freely able to compete for social rewards. As Webb (1977) said, the liberal approach which is according to a belief in the rights of the individual to universally possible standards of justice and citizenship. The emphasis is on the individual, for example job selection should be focus on the merit of individual which performs fairly. On the other hand, the radical approach is to achieve not only the equal opportunity, but also the equal outcome. Compare to liberal approach, the focus of the radical approach is not on individuals, but on groups. “The ideal of the radical approach is a situation where every workforce is representative of all the social groups available to it” (Kaler, 2001: 53). For instance, although individual who is the group representative, the principle of selection will not choose the merit alone. To conclude, equality can be theorized in liberal and radical approach. Regard to the complicated conception of equality, to get the equal opportunity in employment which also is a complex and huge progress. It requires a mix of affirmative action legislation...
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