Questions:
Importance of using Non-discriminatory Words in Business
There are several reasons why managers, leaders, and/or employees should refrain from discriminatory terminology. One of the most important reasons is that individuals might take offense to derogatory statements, feel belittled and unmotivated to work for a company that condones that type of behavior. Employees may detect preferential treatment of one ethnicity, gender, etc. over the other. Derogatory statements are unprofessional and unethical in the work place. Discrimination is an ongoing problem in today's corporate work force. Complaints plague organizations such as the Equal Rights Commission on a daily basis. Individuals had to endure all forms of discrimination thus resulting in degrading, demeaning, and disrespectful practices that hinder ones work performance. Although, legal ramifications may occur as a result of insensitivity to cultural differences, discrimination is an increasingly growing concern. In most cases organizations have become extremely sophisticated in discriminating against employees in which case the employees must possess iron clad evidence, and comprehensive documentation to prove that the organization is in fact violating his/her civil rights. Derogatory statements tend to lower company morale for the reason that employees feel undervalued as a result of cultural bias. Corporate discrimination results in the following hindrances to business operations:
Decreased productivity-Employees may either voluntarily leave the organization due to discrimination and unfair business practices.
Legal issues-Employees may establish legal counsel in order to discover what their rights are and if they will be eligible for monetary compensation.
Loss of credibility-the organization will endure a reputation of condoning discriminatory practices, thus resulting in a loss of business or clientele. For example, although Denny's is well known for their affordable breakfast menu, the stigma of the restaurant demonstrating partiality with serving one ethnic group instead of the other one, or refusing to serve a particular group of people is still attached to the company's overall reputation.