Introduction
During the first two weeks of the course, we focused on responding to Discussion Questions designed to enhance critical thinking and apply analytical skills. As you have advanced in skill development, you will focus on examining scenarios in the workplace, identify and explain the diversity and inclusion issues, apply the learning material, and advise how you would manage and resolve the issues presented in the scenario.
This activity requires you to participate in an in-depth discussion with your classmates which will provide the opportunity to exchange ideas as they pertain to the learning material. You are encouraged to discuss issues at your place of employment or other experiences. Read the learning material before posting your initial response.
Instructions
For this task, read the scenario and then respond by answering the question “What Would You Do?” Responses should also include a discussion of the bulleted points under the question.
Scenario
Genetic Information and Employee Health Concerns
You are the new Team Leader of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Specialists at the Tallendale Research Facility, a large research organization focusing on social justice, equity and inclusion. On your second day, you were advised by Lindsey McIntyre, Assistant Team Leader of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Specialists of issues involving employees being treated disparately and terminated after disclosing genetic information on health forms. Lindsey was not sure if the action taken would fall within the scope of the DEI department but noted that she believed the actions taken were diversity and inclusion issues as well as wrongful terminations.
According to Lindsey, it appears that Kendra Livingston, a young Black woman, applied for a research position and was hired. However, on the fourth day of work, she was informed that she needed to take a mandatory physical. The request for the physical was deceptive as the goal was to determine if the statement Kendra provided on the “Employee Emergency Information” form was accurate, which noted that she suffered with Sickle Cell Anemia. During the physical, Kendra disclosed that she suffered from Sickle Cell Anemia, was tested, and her condition confirmed. Weeks later, she was informed by Ingrid Bethel, manager of the Survey Research Division that she needed to report to the human resources department immediately. Upon arriving at the human resources department, her employment was terminated because she was considered a high insurance risk.
Jenna Kazi, a new research data analyst was also terminated after disclosing that she suffered from Tay Sachs Disease on her “Employee Emergency Information” form. She was also scheduled for an employment physical and completed testing for her condition. One week later, Jenna was also terminated for being a high insurance risk.
Both employees were told by Miriam Younger, the new human resource manager that their conditions made them susceptible to missing several days of work due to being sick and that both positions required reliable employees. They were also told that they were considered health insurance risks and that the firm’s portion of insurance premiums for coverage was triple the amount of one employee. The employees were notified that the decision to terminate their employment was based on genetic test results.
Question
What would you do about the issues presented in the scenario and how would you manage each issue?
Your response should include a discussion of the following:
Explain how the issues involved in the scenario are relative to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Identify, apply and explain the applicable major federal acts relative to organizational diversity noted in the textbook.
Explain how you would apply “The Emotional Intelligence and Diversity (EID) Model” to manage the complex issues involving everyone mentioned in the scenario.
Explain how you would apply “Mindfulness-based DEI” strategies to help you manage the issues noted in the scenario.
Posting and Writing Requirements
To receive full credit, you will need to:
Initial Post. By Thursday, January 27, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. CST, write a 100- word initial post responding to the question (feel free to write longer posts).
Secondary Posts. By Sunday, January 30, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. CST, write a 50-word substantial response post to two of your peers’ initial posts (two postings) Feel free to write longer posts.
Elaborate in detail, provide examples, incorporate and correctly cite the learning material (in APA format) to support your position.
Postings must contain original thoughts, demonstrate critical thinking, logic, analytical and reasoning skills and ethics.
Incorporate two sources from the learning material in your response.
Incorporate and apply the learning material correctly cited in APA 7th edition format.
Relate new information with material covered in class as well as experiences.
Respond in your own words, elaborate in detail and provide an example.
Do not post quoted material on Discussion Boards.
Do not post attachments on the Discussion Board.
