Question

what is affirmative action? As a human resource manager, would you actively pursue affirmative action? Give reasons

Answer 1

Affirmative action

Affirmative action has different names in different countries and it is followed in different manner too , like it is known as reservation in India and Nepal, Positive discrimination in UK, employment equity in Canada and South Africa and Affirmative action in the U.S. The way it is followed varies from region to region. Certain individuals belonging to certain groups are given importance due to the discriminated policy and this practice is known as Affirmative action.

As a human resource manager, I personally would not actively pursue it because :-

• Minority groups are given importance and the majority group is avoided certain times.
• Many times in order to given opportunity to minority group, proper skilled people in majority group are avoided.
• They have to compromise on the real talent many times.
• The person with less calibre is paid more than the real capable person.
• This creates inequality between employees.
• The minority person who has availed the benefits of affirmative action may not be trustworthy or hard working.
• The goals of the companies and its achievements are at stake with such employees.
• Vast difference among the lower and higher class people was created, and this in turn created struggles.
• This gave rise to racism too.
• The real talents started to leave the country in search of opportunities and the benefits of their hard work was reaped by other countries.
• All these factors promoted bad economic growth.

As the negative side is more heavier so completely supporting affirmative action is not worth, but yes if it is a genuine case and the person is real talented and skilled and can show his productivity and it is for the betterment of the economy and the company then sure it can be thought of in exceptional case.