Diversity & Equal Opportunity

Question 1

Equal opportunities is…

Answer 1

…an approach to the management of people at work based on equal access and fair treatment, irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs
(No relevance to work performance!)

Question 2

Reasons for adopting non-discrimination measures: (5)

Answer 2

1. Common decency and fairness
2. Good HR practice - the best people for the job
3. Compliance with legislation and codes of practice
4. Widening recruitment pool
5. Other potential benefits - image as a good employer

Question 3

3 types of discrimination:

Answer 3

1. Direct
2. Indirect
3. Victimisation
   (4. Harassment)

Question 4

Examples of indirect discrimination:

Answer 4

1. Advertising in gender-dominant areas
2. Less favourable terms for part-time workers
3. Age limits
4. Plans for family queried at interviews

Question 5

Practical implications of an Equal Opportunities policy: (5)

Answer 5

1. Support
2. Working party (produce a draft)
3. Action plans and resources
4. Monitoring
5. Positive Action

Question 6

Ingham (2003) suggest 9 steps in implementing a diversity policy:

Answer 6

1. Analyse your business environment
2. Define diversity and its business benefit
3. Introduce diversity policy into corporate strategy
4. Embed diversity into core HR processes and system
5. Ensure leaders implement policy
6. Involve staff at all levels
7. Communicate. communicate, communicate
8. Understand your company’s needs
9. Evaluate