Lecture 3 Equality and Diversity

Question 1

According to Vickers (2011) what is the meaning of equality?

Answer 1

‘The most intuitive meaning of equality is that that everybody should be treated equally; in other words, according to the Aristotelian maxim, likes are treated alike. This is referred to as a formal equality’ (Vickers, 2011 as cited in Kumra and Manfredi 2012: 5)

Question 2

What are the two main flaws pointed out by Kumra and Manfredi (2012:5) about Vickers (2011) concept?

Answer 2

1- in reality we all have different characteristics and
2- in order to take a symmetrical approach to equal treatment it is necessary to choose a ‘comparator’ against whom to measure treatment
(Kumra and Manfredi, 2012: 5)

Question 3

When did diversity get linked to HRM?

Answer 3

Diversity was linked to HRM in the late 1980s

Question 4

According to Armstrong, what does a policy managing diversity recognise? (2014: 511)

Answer 4

‘A policy on managing diversity recognises that there are differences among employees and that these differences, if properly managed, will enable work to be done more efficiently and effectively’ (Armstrong, 2014: 511)

Question 5

What is the role of HR in terms of Diversity Management?

Answer 5

To consider the triggers for change and the nature of change management processes
Diversity champions and networks
Devising and implementing policies and communicating the vision

Question 6

Why do employees need equal pay in the UK?

Answer 6

Because it is stated in UK law

Question 7

What are proxies of disadvantage?

Answer 7

Significant differences between people such as disability, sex and ethnicity

Question 8

What should HR try and avoid in the work place?

Answer 8

Discrimination

Question 9

What is diversity about?

Answer 9

Recognising differences

Question 10

What do the people that work at an organisation often reflect?

Answer 10

The customer base

Question 11

What is inclusion?

Answer 11

Where diversity is seen as a benefit (CIPD)

Question 12

What is the social justice case for equality and diversity?

Answer 12

This is about morals regardless of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation…

Question 13

What is the business case for equality and diversity?

Answer 13

The business has a wide customer base so it should also have a widespread workforce to be respected

Question 14

What are some of the strands associated with equality and diversity?

Answer 14

Age
Religion
Ethnicity
Sexuality
Gender
Disability

Question 15

What is the role of HR in terms of equality and diversity?

Answer 15

To advise managers and to ensure employees are aware of equality and diversity policies and to take forward preventative managers

Question 16

When did the UK Equal Pay Act come in?

Answer 16

1975

Question 17

What did the Equal Pay Act come alongside?

Answer 17

The Sexual Discrimination Act

Question 18

Why do Acts usually come into play?

Answer 18

Something happens that makes people fight for them

Question 19

What did the Windrush generation face?

Answer 19

Discrimination when trying to find jobs

Question 20

What did the Equality Act 2010 do?

Answer 20

It brought all of the various different Acts together under one umbrella

Question 21

Who is responsible for the equality and diversity policies within an organisation?

Answer 21

HR

Question 22

What do diversity champions do?

Answer 22

They explain the role of diversity and mentor employees

Question 23

What are the basic facts surrounding employment tribunals?

Answer 23

The victim doesn’t have to pay
Can go to a tribunal over a recruitment process, don’t have to be part of the organisation
You have 3 months to do it from the date of the case