Ethics

I feel that measures should be taken to eliminate job discrimination against women and minorities. The measures of affirmative action, reverse discrimination and the use of comparative worth criteria are remedies that are positive steps towards correcting discrimination. Women that were being paid less than men of equal standing in the same job are now being awarded equal pay because both genders are being evaluated using equal criteria of worth. Affirmative action programs work in a similar way to ensure equal job opportunities and pay for minorities and prevent potential employers from discriminating against applicants just because of their race and ethnic background.

    While I believe that these measures are, in theory, positive ways to ensure equal work and pay opportunities for women and minorities, I also feel that these programs contain flaws that need to be corrected in order for the ultimate goal of job and pay equality to be attained. The use of comparable worth criteria, for example, is a good way to evaluate work performance and determine pay grades fairly for all employees. Unfortunately, the criteria used are often subjective and the system can break down when different employers choose to value certain criteria more than others. Its important for the criteria and requirements used to evaluate, hire and promote employees to be equal in order for employees to have equality too.

This coincides with my response in Unit 1 regarding Kants moral philosophy when applied to business. Kants respect-for-people philosophy applies in this context as well. Potential employees must first be measured by the same set of criteria in order for them to ultimately achieve equal pay and employment opportunities. Employers must evaluate candidates of all races and genders based on an equal standard of work performance, qualification and education in order for all employees to be an equal part of the business as a whole.