3. Is diversity in the
workplace possible?
Are the lofty goals of
diversity and equality
doomed to failure?
Do the laws governing
workplace diversity contain
enough specificity to deem
them enforceable?
Inclusiveness…does the
term itself promotes
exclusiveness?
How will it diversity in the
workplace affect my future
employment goals?
In my research paper I
examined the current
status of diversity in the
workplace, its enforcement
and the power of the
media, social networking
and public perception
influencing diversity in the
workplace.
4. There are several
federal laws:
The Civil Rights
Act of 1964,
The Equal Pay Act
of 1963
The Age
Discrimination in
Employment Act of
1967
The Rehabilitation
Act of 1973
(sections 501 and
505),
Title II of the
Genetic Information
Nondiscrimination
Act of 2008
The Civil Rights
Act of 1991.
5. While celebrating
diversity is a
somewhat daunting
endeavor, it can
translate into
bottom-line profits
for any company.
From a marketing
perspective, a
company that
celebrates and
implements a diverse
workforce stands to
gain big in the public
perception of that
company and its
products or services.
6. President, Dan Cathy, of Chick-Fil-A recently made his views on Gay
marriage public. This created a storm among supporters and non-
supporters.
7. In July 2012, Home
Depot faced a
boycott of more
than 540,000 people
because Home
Depot publicly
supports
“homosexual
activism” (Vu, 2013).
On the company website, Home
Depot defines it diversity
program’s mission thusly: “The
mission of The Home Depot’s
Supplier Diversity Program is to
form mutually beneficial
partnerships with diverse
businesses that allow us to
deliver superior products and
services and superb customer
service, which ultimately
increase shareholder value.”
8. “Lowe’s longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion
is a core element of our business strategy and our mission to
improve the communities we serve. Diverse perspectives
help us solve everyday challenges, develop innovative ideas
and grow our business. We’re dedicated to continuing to
foster an inclusive culture that promotes diversity of thought
and celebrates the unique talents that each professional
brings to Lowe’s. Together, we’re committed to treating every
customer, employee, community, investor and vendor with
respect and dignity.”
9. It is clear that the path of diversity is neither simple nor clear-cut.
To navigate the legal and ethical path to diversity, a company must
be firstly committed to this endeavor and, secondly, committed to
its implementation. This might mean investing in legal, human
resource employees and work group of employees trained and paid
to navigate diversity in the workplace. As an employer or
employee, diversity will affect my future in business and my
opportunities for advancement in business.
11. Resources
A, W. (2013, March 10). Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wajahat-
ali/a-lowes-down-dirty-shame_b_1148546.html
Davis, L. (2013, March 16). Retrieved from
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lennard-davis/have-a-little-diversity-
w_b_1734513.html
Home Depot. (2013, March 3). Retrieved from http://careers.homedepot.com/
Lemonier, L. (2013, February 20). eHow. Retrieved from
http://www.ehow.com/list_6824657_diversity-workplace-laws.html
Lowes. (2013, 10 March). Retrieved from
http://responsibility.lowes.com/workplace/our-programs/diversity-and-inclusion/
Vu, M. A. (2013, February 18). Retrieved from
http://www.christianpost.com/news/over-540000-sign-home-depot-boycott-over-
gay-activism-53907/
Hinweis der Redaktion
Because employment laws are intricately linked to the way businesses operate, management must be well-versed in the most current laws governing diversity and sexual harassment, and their application in the workplace. The above shows several of the federal laws that are in place.
Because of federal and local diversity legislation addresses individuals as well as groups of individuals, the implementation of diversity in the workplace demands are that organizations be all-inclusive.
Let us examine some current challenges to diversity in the workplace in our American courts of law and American courts of public opinion regarding three large American Corporations: Chick-fil-A restaurants, Lowe’s and Home Depot home improvement stores. In light of the recent public storm of criticism leveled at Chick-fil-A for its unwavering opposition to gay marriage, our discussion of diversity hiring practices and guidelines takes on an urgency which I believe will impact companies worldwide. Let us look at these companies’ diversity practices as they apply to employee hiring and retention.
The groups it specifically endorses are: African American Pulse, Hispanics Organized for Growth and Responsibility’s (HOGAR), Limitless, Orange Shield, Pride Network’s, Pan Asian Waves and The Women’s Link. Interestingly, there are no Christian groups (or Male Rights groups) represented at Home Depot.
Lowe’s commitment to “diversity and inclusion,” focuses on four areas: workforce, suppliers, community and customers (Lowes, 2013). Although my research seems to indicate that Lowe’s has tried to stay out of the political, public fray of diversity or the lack thereof, controversy also has come knocking at their door. In December 2011, Lowe’s decision to pull its advertising from a television program, “All-American Muslim,” created a maelstrom of criticism.