Before attempting to respond to this post, refer to the “Questioning Inclusiveness” Learning Activity. Of the behaviors discussed in the text, select one and comment on why this action can be viewed as an act of exclusion. As a manager, how would you address it and what would be your goal? How would you explain the need to change the behavior to those engaged in it?

Questioning Inclusiveness

But… It’s Our Company Culture!

You are part of a four-person task force for a 50-person firm that specializes in the development and marketing of plastics technologies. When you were hired, you felt the company had little idea what you should be paid and just made up a number, which you were able to negotiate to a slightly higher salary. While you have been on the job for three months, you have noticed a few concerning things in the area of diversity, besides the way your salary was offered. The following are some of those items:

1. You know that some of the sales team, including the sales manager, get together once a month to have drinks at a strip club.
2. A Hispanic worker left the organization, and in his exit interview, he complained of not seeing a path toward promotion.
3. The only room available for breast-feeding mothers is the women’s restroom.
4. The organization has a policy of offering $200 to any employee who refers a friend, as long as the friend is hired and stays at least six months.
5. The manufacturing floor has an English-only policy.
6. You have heard managers refer to those wearing turbans in a derogatory way.

Note. Adapted from “Diversity and Multiculturalism,” by L. Portolese Dias, 2011, Human Resource Management, Chapter 3, Section 2. Copyright 2011 by Flat World Knowledge, Inc.