Assignment 1

PART I: SHORT RESPONSE

Directions: Please write a two to three paragraph response for each of the following questions. Be sure to cite any references used. Please use proper APA citation when using any source including the textbook. Please visit the Academic Resource Center (ARC) for concise APA guidelines.

1. Argue the pros and cons of eliminating standards such as test scores, grade point averages, and other objective criteria for admitting minorities and members of protected groups to universities and college. Do you believe such objective criteria should be eliminated by university and college admissions committees? Explain.

2. Select an employee right in the workplace from the chapter. Give an example, based on your own outside reading or experience, of a case involving this right. Was it violated? How? What was the outcome? What should the outcome have been? Why?

3. Identify an example from your own experience, or that of someone you know, of discrimination or sexual harassment. Did this experience influence your view of affirmative action or employee protection programs? If so, how?

4. Write a paragraph or two describing a situation from that you have heard about in the news or in this textbook in which the person felt justified and had cause to blow the whistle. Did the person? Why or why not? Under what circumstances do you feel whistle-blowing is justified?

5. Think of three people you know from the different generations discussed in the chapter. From these people, who is and is not satisfied with their work and jobs? Explain why they are or are not satisfied. Refer back to the generational differences and values in the chapter. To what extent did "generational differences" have in your analysis of the individuals' work satisfaction? To what extent did "ethical reasons" affect their work satisfaction? Explain.

6. Create a "for" and "against" set of arguments regarding the "employment-at-will" doctrine in the present economic and demographic environment. After you make a complete set of arguments, which position do you support? Did your views change after this exercise? Why or why not?

PART II: CASE STUDIES

Directions: Choose one of the following cases, read the case, and then answer the corresponding questions for that particular case. Please be sure to write at least a one paragraph response for each question.

Case 19 - Wal-Mart: Ongoing Challenges with Gender Discrimination

Case 20 - "Don't Ask, Don't Tell": A Policy on Gays in the Military

Case 19 - Wal-Mart: Ongoing Challenges with Gender Discrimination

1. Based on the stated human resources philosophy of Wal-Mart, would it be likely that the company would discriminate based on general differences? Explain.

2. Put yourself in the role of the plaintiffs. What ethical arguments would you offer in support of their allegations?

3. Put yourself in the role of Wal-Mart. What ethical arguments would you offer to counter the plaintiffs' allegations?

4. Is a class action against Wal-Mart justified? Explain your position.

Case 20 - "Don' Ask, Don't Tell": A Policy on Gays in the Military

1. What are the pros and cons of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" U.S. military policy?

2. What does this policy have to do with business ethics? Explain.

3. Is this issue really a personal matter and not for public debate? Explain.

4. Could this policy be implemented in a U.S. publicly traded company? Why or why not?

Assignment 2

Directions: Please write a one paragraph response for each of the following questions.

1. What demographic trends are changing today's workforce? Explain.

2. Describe the five generational value differences.

3. Describe the implications of changes in the social contract between corporations and employees.

4. Discuss what employer responsibilities are to employees and vice-versa.

5. What are the changes that have occurred as a result of the Civil Rights Act of 1991?

6. Describe criteria used to determine whether verbal or physical actions constitute sexual harassment. What are some specific types of sexual harassment?

7. What factors should be considered before blowing the whistle? Explain.

8. Distinguish between affirmative action and reverse discrimination.