Business Ethics: Discrimination in Workplace

Introduction

A lot of people encounter unethical work behavior at some point in their careers. This could include harassment, bullying, verbal abuse, or stealing from co-workers, all of which fall under personal aggression—a type of workplace deviance. Various forms 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, 2019).

Case Study: Juliana's Experience

Juliana's situation can be considered discriminatory, as her co-workers underestimated her capabilities as a manager and an employee, likely due to her race. Despite being hardworking and proving her competence multiple times, her co-workers had no grounds to question her abilities or her position in the company. Unfortunately, this bias appears to be rooted in her skin color. However, this should not lead Juliana to make reckless or hasty decisions regarding her job. In my opinion, Juliana should not quit her job. Instead, she should stand up for herself and demonstrate to her co-workers that she rightfully belongs in the company and her position. She should not abandon her hard-earned opportunities simply because her co-workers doubt her abilities.

Furthermore, her co-workers are mistaken in their assessment of Juliana. She does not lack qualifications; she was a top graduate from the UK in humanities, excelled in the company's management program, and performs above average in her role while enjoying her work. The co-workers had no evidence to suggest she lacked qualifications or had an unpleasant personality, nor did they have the right to judge whether she deserved her position. Their behavior was both unnecessary and ignorant.

Addressing Discrimination

Juliana should indeed confront her co-workers about their comments and clear the air, but she should do so in a respectful and constructive manner. She should ensure that her co-workers understand that she feels discriminated against and that the situation is serious. Confronting her co-workers could help avoid misunderstandings and clarify any doubts she has, fostering a healthier, more professional relationship, as communication is key. By addressing the issue directly, she can resolve the situation and prevent awkward future interactions at the company. If the situation does not improve or escalates, Juliana should consult her supervisor. The supervisor can offer guidance, advice, and potentially take action regarding the co-workers' behavior. Conversely, if the confrontation leads to a mutual understanding, there may be no need to involve the supervisor unless Juliana feels otherwise.

Understanding Workplace Discrimination

Workplace discrimination arises from certain prejudices and occurs when an employee is treated unfavorably due to gender, sexuality, race, religion, pregnancy and maternity, or disability. It involves treating someone differently simply because they differ from other staff members, and this is unlawful (Benstead, 2018).

Discrimination suits are a serious step to consider, but before taking such drastic measures, one should thoroughly assess the situation to determine if it warrants legal action. In Juliana's case, I believe a discrimination suit is unnecessary because the conversation took place between her co-workers and the supervisor, not directly involving her. Without direct evidence, it would be a weak case. However, if the conversation had occurred directly between Juliana and her co-workers, the narrative might be different. Therefore, Juliana should not take such an extreme step yet, as it could complicate matters for her.

Approach to Conflict Resolution

As mentioned, Juliana can confront her co-workers directly to discuss what she heard and communicate with them to understand their reasons. This could lead to a mutual understanding, allowing Juliana to present her perspective and set things straight. She can also speak to her supervisor about the situation, explaining it after thoroughly analyzing it. The supervisor can then follow company guidelines and policies regarding such situations and advise Juliana on the appropriate course of action.

Conclusion

In conclusion, professionalism and basic workplace ethics are crucial. Employees must strictly adhere to the guidelines and policies set by companies. They should be aware that harassment, bullying, discrimination, and verbal abuse are unacceptable and carry serious consequences. To prevent workplace discrimination, companies can educate employees about discrimination and other workplace deviance, encourage respect for differences, and raise awareness of such issues (Weekes, 2017). Educating people further on this topic may help individuals confidently report similar situations, knowing their complaints will remain confidential.

References

• Doyle, A. (2019). Workplace Harassment: What It Is and How to Deal With It.
• Benstead, S. (2018). Understanding Discrimination in the Workplace.
• Weekes, J. (2017). Preventing Discrimination in the Workplace: Strategies and Solutions.