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Discrimination

In: Business and Management

Submitted By nada84
Words 835
Pages 4
Nowadays, due to globalization, people from different cultures, backgrounds, beliefs, attitudes, education, experience, and behaviors exist in the same organization. This workforce diversity provides the business innovative ideas, ability to anticipate and meet customers’ needs, and competitive advantage to succeed locally and internationally. Thus, it is crucial to manage diversity efficiently in order to benefit from its advantages and eliminate its disadvantages.

When diversity is not managed correctly, discrimination arises. So, to protect employees’ rights, promote respect and fairness, and motivate staff, discrimination legislations took place. According to Pilbeam & Corbridge (2010, p. 231) “the legislation covers sex, marital status, race, ethnic origin, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, ex-offenders where a conviction is legally spent, and age”.

The legislations are enforced to protect employees from (indirect, n.d.):

Direct discrimination: when employees are treated based on their age, race, religion, etc. For example, an employee receives a salary increase because he is older than another employee although the younger one is more productive.
Indirect discrimination: when employees are isolated based on an unjustified company policy. For example, only good looking employees are allowed to go on business trips.
Harassment: when employees are abused verbally or physically. For example, making fun of an employee because he’s fat is not right.
Victimization: when employees are punished for raising a concern about a discriminatory act. For example, an employee gets a salary deduction for voicing out.

In addition, legislations ensure that employees have equal opportunities regardless of their ethnicity or gender. For instance, a male and a female should be treated equally as they can both produce and give the same output.

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