Affirmative Action and Harassment

Using the e-Activity, review the background of affirmative action. Then, argue whether or not the intended fairness afforded by affirmative action is relevant to the 21st century, considering that organizations are typically trending toward promoting a diverse workforce. Justify your response.

Today, the workforce is diverse and organizations are embracing the initiative of having a different workforce than the past. Affirmative action means taking positive steps to halt discrimination, to inhibit its reappearance, and to generate new opportunities that were formerly denied minorities and women (Affirmative Action). I think it still possible for barriers to be broken down without inviting discrimination into the workplace. Organizations are trending toward promoting a diverse workforce. However, some organizations make poor hiring decisions just to be compliant with HR and affirmative action. Affirmative action was not envisioned just to “meet numbers” but to also ensure that qualified and knowledgeable employees are being hired for positions. Affirmative action is intended to provide and promote diversity, so I say it is still important at present.

Select two (2) of the following types of harassment: same-sex harassment, cyber harassment, or hostile virtual environment. Investigate the significant ways in which the selected type of harassment could alter work conditions in any organization. Then, formulate a plan to minimize the selected type of harassment in the organization.

Cyber harassment usually involves participating in an act or behavior that torments, annoys, terrorizes, offends, or threatens an individual through email, instant messages, or other ways with the intention of harming that person (Hazelwood & Koon-Magnin).

Hostile work environments bring on discomfort in the workplace. Employees that are forced to work under these conditions are usually stressed. Hostile work environments also impact the company because the employee is unproductive and not focused on the organization’s goal.

Organizations could face turnover and lawsuits because of hostile work environments and cyber harassment.

Implementing a zero tolerance policy helps to minimize cyber harassment and hostile work environments, and making sure that all employees are aware of the policy. All employers should have annual anti-harassment training that defines each form of harassment, as well as, list the actions taken when the policy is violated. Employees should also know how to report incidents. Once employees are aware that the policy would be strictly enforced, workplace harassers and bullies are going to disappear.

Affirmative Action. (n.d.). Retrieved May 02, 2016, from http://www.civilrights.org/resources/civilrights101/affirmaction.html

Hazelwood, S. D., & Koon-Magnin, S. (2013). Cyber Stalking and Cyber Harassment Legislation in the United States: A Qualitative Analysis. International Journal Of Cyber Criminology, 7(2), 155-168.