Discuss the various ways through which affirmative action can arise within a workplace.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Affirmative action arises in the workplace in three ways. The first way is through legal requirements. Much of the law relating to affirmative action applies only to about 20 percent of the workforce; however, those employees of federal contractors with 50 or more employees are subject to Executive Order 11246, which requires affirmative action efforts to ensure equal opportunity. Second, where Executive Order 11246 does not apply, courts may require what is termed "judicial affirmative action" in order to remedy a finding of past discrimination. A third form of affirmative action involves voluntary affirmative action plans employers undertake to overcome barriers to equal opportunity. These might include training plans and programs, focused recruiting activity, or the elimination of discrimination that might be caused by hiring criteria that exclude a particular group.
A demonstrated underrepresentation of a particular group or a finding of past discrimination is required to justify affirmative action efforts under either of these latter two options.