The Many Faces of Affirmative Action Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Many Faces of Affirmative Action - Essay Example The concept of compensatory justice for wrongs that were committed against a race of people on a massive scale is a part of the American tradition. America has a long history of reparations regarding the Japanese in World War II, Native Americans, and General Sherman's promise of 40 acres to the freed slaves at the end of the Civil War (Burch, 2008, p.121). As moral agents, citizens not only have an obligation to compensate those that have been wronged by society, "it would be unjust to prevent [them] from living up to [their] responsibilities" (Radzik, 2003, p.328). In addition, it gives the African Americans a fast track to catch up to the society that had left them behind centuries earlier. Catching up in the free market of education or employment cannot be done when a person is severely disadvantaged, and Affirmative Action simply removes the disadvantage. By 1965, the white dominant class had a near monopoly on education, the professions, and upward mobility. Affirmative Action helped to break this stronghold and presented opportunities to the African Americans that were previously excluded due to unfair competition. Supreme Court briefs filed by executives and retired military officers argued that "the United States cannot compete in today's global economy, or maintain an effective military, without racially diverse business and military leaders" (Foner, 2003, p.5). By introducing these additional women and minorities into the marketplace for education, it has improved the quality of the educational system, the students, and our global status. Giving women and minorities an advantage in gaining an education has been instrumental in breaking the cycle of poverty and the destiny of culture. Young people, who had little or no cultural capital, and no family tradition of higher education, would be doomed to repeat the life of poverty and continue the struggle endured by their parents. Though there has been some progress made, there is still a significant gap in representation in the professions such as the legal field (Tatum, Nichols, and Ferguson, 2008, p.80). Still, Affirmative Action is the best, if not the only, hope that many of these people are given.

Managing Diversity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words - 1

Managing Diversity - Essay Example Diversity in an organization or the work place can only be practiced or appreciated by recognizing the fact that discrimination can create a serious disadvantage to a particular group of employees or workers while at the same time bestowing privilege on others. Managing diversity in a place of work or organization increases the productivity of the employees in that particular organization. Managing diversity at the place of work or organization is important as it creates and maintains a conducive work environment, which incorporates both differences and similarities of the employees. Several studies and research have confirmed that managing diversity at the work place or organization results into increased commitment and satisfaction by employees or workers in their duties thus leading to an increase in returns. Managing diversity in the organization may involve the proper balance of gender in that persons of different sexes are allowed to perform similar duties or functions. This is aimed at bringing a positive work environment through the incorporation of both gender is incorporated as it brings into consideration the value of both similarities and differences of employees. This makes each and every employee or worker realize their potential thus maximizing the overall contribution they make in order for the company to increase productivity and achieve its goals and objectives. Discrimination based on the gender of an employee continues in most organizations, for example in some organizations women are and feel discriminated against at all levels of their employment (Gregory, 2003). There is therefore need to diversify the roles each gender plays at the work place or organization. Managing diversity at the work place therefore entails the respect and acceptance of employees of both sexes as equal partners in the work place through the recognition of the employees and their uniquely acquired skills. This would include overcoming barriers or stereotypes that hi nder the participation of some people in some duties in the organization. For example, the belief that that women are not good in industrial or technical jobs can be done away in order to accord everyone an equal opportunity at the work place. Successful management of diversity of employees in the work place or an institution has a direct effect in improving the performance of all employees in the organization. Extensive research has shown that management of diversity by incorporation of both men and women in the work place has direct impact in the results achieved as a heterogeneous team that composed of both men and women perform better at the work place as compared to teams made up of only men or women (Barbara, 1988). Organizational Strategies and Policies Cox and Blake (1991) have argued that having an organization with a diverse work force results into decisions that are better, creative and innovative while at the same time resulting into a flexible organization that apprecia tes divergent thinking. It may also make the organization attract and retain the best talents thus ensuring a greater capability in marketing. These can