Affirmative Action

Affirmative Action 1

Affirmative Action Recommendation

Dorothy M. Garrett

Western International University

HRM 335

Debbie Humphrey

December 3, 2006

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In an effort to improve this organization and to provide a positive workplace environment, it is my recommendation that the Board of Directors of this company should implement and sustain an affirmative action policy to ensure equal opportunity for all employees. Such a policy should establish specific standards to prevent discrimination against any employee based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. This affirmative action policy should also comply with all equal opportunity laws and regulations. "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" (Encyclopedia of Small Business, 2006).

Discrimination is not only illegal, but it is also immoral. The adverse treatment of an individual based on class or category goes against the belief that America is the "land of opportunity". Affirmative action attempts to correct and prevent further discriminatory actions. A thorough analysis of the make-up of this organization will provide a basis with which to begin drafting an effective affirmative action policy that will ultimately ensure that the workforce of this company is diverse, adequately trained, and promoted equally.

The goals of this proposed affirmative action policy is to ensure that all prospective employees that are members of a protected-class receive proportionate consideration, the pursuit of fair treatment, and the reduction of unnecessary conflict between employees.

The policy needs to be implemented in such a way that members of the unprotected class are not discriminated against in the attempt to obtain equality.

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The creation of a successful affirmative action policy must also address issues involving arguments against affirmative action. The main argument of those opposed to affirmative action is that it is just another form of discrimination, giving certain individuals preferential treatment. This is sometimes referred to as "reverse discrimination". An article posted on the About.com website presumes that affirmative action encourages prejudice:

It is not uncommon to hear people objecting to affirmative action programs by alleging that they actually cause prejudice and hence further discrimination. According to this argument, when affirmative action programs are in place there will always be a stigma attached to minorities who are presumed to have benefited from those programs.

Affirmative action has been the controversial focus of many individuals for years. However, the positive aspects of implementing an affirmative action policy outweigh the negative aspects if the policy refrains from discrimination and simply encourages diversity in the workplace.

Affirmation action dates back to the civil rights movement and was initially designed to prevent racial discrimination against Blacks. Eventually, the affirmative action laws were expanded to include other classes of citizens, mainly women and other minorities in the United States. The line between discrimination and preferential treatment is a thin line. It depends on which side of the line you are standing on.

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Proponents of affirmative action

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