Business Ethics: Discrimination in Workplace

A lot of people come across unethical work behaviour at some point in their work lives, it could be harassment, bullying, verbal abuse, stealing from co-workers and these come under personal aggression which is a type of a workplace deviance. Many types of harassment can occur on the job. Workplace harassment, whether verbal or physical, based on sex, religion, or race, is unlawful and a form of discrimination. (Doyle. A, 2019)

Similarly, Juliana’s situation can be considered as discrimination as the co-workers underestimated her capabilities as a manager and an employee most probably because of her race even though she is hard working and has proved it multiple times. The co-workers had no reason and no place to underestimate her abilities and her position in the company, yet they did possibly because of her skin colour. But, this shouldn’t lead to Juliana taking a reckless and a hasty decision when it comes to her job. In my opinion, Juliana should not quit her job and should stand up for herself, and prove to those co-workers that she belongs to the company and that position, she shouldn’t quit because she has worked hard to get to where she is and landed a great job only because of her hard work, and she shouldn’t throw away opportunities just because her co-workers doubt her abilities.

In addition, her co-workers are wrong about the evaluation they made towards Juliana because she doesn’t lack qualifications as she was a top graduate from the UK in humanities, topped the co-corporations management program and is performing above the norm in her position while enjoying her work. The co-workers had no proof that she lacked of qualifications and has no reason to say that she had an unpleasant personality and they also had no right to decide and comment on whether she deserved the position in the company. The co-workers were being unnecessary and ignorant.

So, yes Juliana should confront her co-workers about what they said and clear the air , but she should do it in a respectful and constructive way. She should make sure that the co-workers are aware that she feels discriminated and should let them know that the situation is being taken seriously. It is a good thing for Juliana to confront her co-workers because it can possibly help avoid any misunderstandings and clear any doubts she had, this will also help with having a healthy and professional relationship with her co-workers as communication is key. By confronting her fellow co-workers she can clarify the issue and resolve the situation and this will help avoid any awkward situations in her future at the company. If after confronting her co-workers and the situation remains the same or maybe rather escalates then it’s best for Juliana to go to her supervisor regarding the situation. By consulting the supervisor, he/she will guide you and advise you on what to do and the supervisor could take an action towards the co-workers regarding the situation. But in contrast, if after the confrontation the co-workers and Juliana reach a mutual understanding and they clarify the issue by accepting their mistake and are ready to acknowledge the conflict, resulting in coming to a mutual understanding and clarification then there is no need to consult the supervisor unless she feels so otherwise.

Discrimination in workplace is based on certain prejudices and occurs when an employee is treated unfavourably because of gender, sexuality, race, religion, pregnancy and maternity or disability. It is when you treat someone differently only because they are different when compared to other members of the staff and this is an unlawful act. (Benstead. S, 2018)

Discrimination suits are a very serious step to take, but before taking any drastic steps as such, one should read their situation thoroughly and analyse whether the situation is as serious that a discrimination suit needs to be filed. When it comes to Juliana’s situation, I feel as though a discrimination suit is not necessary because the conversation that took place was between the co-workers and the supervisor and was not directly at her, so it wouldn’t be a strong case as there is no proof for her to present that she was discriminated. But if the situation was directly at Juliana and if the conversation that took place was between the co-workers and Juliana rather than the supervisor then it would have a different narrative. Hence, in my opinion Juliana shouldn’t take such an extreme step as of yet as it could possibly complicate things for her.

As mentioned above Juliana can confront the co-workers and talk to them about what she heard directly, and communicate with them in order to find their reason to why they said those things and can possibly reach a mutual understanding, Juliana can speak her side and set things straight. She can also go talk to her supervisor about this situation she’s come across and explain the situation after having read the situation thoroughly and the supervisor could follow certain guidelines and policies that the company has regarding such situations, as well as guide Juliana about what she should and shouldn’t do.

In conclusion, one should be professional and have basic workplace ethics, employees need to strictly follow guidelines and policies that companies have set. Employees need to be aware that harassment, bullying, discrimination, verbal abuse are not acceptable and will have serious consequences. Certain steps can be taken to prevent discrimination in a workplace such as educating all workers about discrimination and other workplace deviances, encouraging all workers to respect each others differences no matter what and just raise awareness about such situations (Weekes. J, 2017). And educate people more about it, and this may help individuals put forth their complains about similar situations with assurance that it will remain confidential.