Session 8: The Ethics of Job Discrimination

Job discrimination in the workplace.

Observation and Experience

According to Cambridge Dictionary, employee discrimination is a situation wherein employees are treated unfairly because of their age, gender, race, religion, physical or health problems, etc. According to a study, 35.5% of the employment discrimination problems were related to race and 22% were related to age.

I work in an international company whose main operation is based in Malaysia. Our company have subsidiaries in other Asian countries such as Indonesia, India, Philippines, Japan, and Thailand. Being employed in this kind of company, it is normal for us to work with other employees from different race and I am very lucky that I did not experience any discrimination even if I’m a girl from a different country and I’m only 23 years old. I can say that we are truly a diverse company. When you roam around our head office in Malaysia and even here in the Philippines, you will see a lot of people from difference race, age bracket, gender, and religion. Aside from that, our leaders are not all Malaysians but the top management is very diversified. The regional head for our business unit is actually a female and she is very young compared to other heads.

Every month, all the representatives of each subsidiary country gather together to discuss the merchandise and duty free business of our company. Managers or executives from different countries attend this meeting and I am the youngest among all the attendees. Despite of this, I didn’t experience any unfair treatment from them. They allow me to speak up my mind and also listen to my suggestions. Last month, they actually recognized my idea and told me that we should further review this concept and implement it by the end of 2018. This experience boosted my morale and inspired me to work harder.

Analysis and Reflection

It is important that the company promotes a culture to its employee where discrimination is not permitted. The company can do that by imposing laws that prohibits discrimination. Aside from that, equality and proper treatment should be seen from the top management so that employees could follow this good example.  In our company, the code of conduct clearly states that the company aims to create an environment free from discrimination.

1.2.1 Creating a positive working environment

We create a, diverse, positive, respectful and fun working environment for people of all backgrounds. We promote and recognise our people based on talent and performance. We work hard and create a common vision and sense of purpose amongst all fellow employees of (organization).

We commit to giving equal employment opportunities by creating an environment free from any discrimination, whether due to colour, religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, marital status, ancestry, socio-economic status or physical disabilities. We won’t accept bullying, harassment or any other behaviour that can be seen as degrading and threatening. We’ll focus on what brings people together rather than on what keeps them apart.

I truly believe that my company has been doing well in creating a positive working environment for all its employees. This campaign is successful because we are taught that communication is important for the success of the company. We actually have a workplace wherein employees could easily communicate with other employees from different countries. Through this, we understand the situation and culture of every employee and respect it. A good working environment is essential to stimulate great and productive employees.

Commitment and Action

Equality at work means that each individual is provided with equal opportunity to fully develop his knowledge, skills, and competencies that are needed in order to perform his job properly and improve his total well-being. I am very lucky that I did not experience any discrimination and unfair treatment from other employees in my two years stay in the company. In return, I will do my best to be fair with every employee that I will come across regardless of their position in the company. I was recently promoted and I will use this promotion to show to others how much I value every employee. Like what happened to me, I will also welcome all the suggestions and insights that will be given to me and use it for the benefit of the company. I will continuously promote open communication just like what the company is doing now. If I see any instance of bullying and harassment, I will not be afraid to speak up in order to address it.