HR Perspective: Wal-Mart and Gender Discrimination Complaints

A class action lawsuit against Wal-Mart has alleged that women are paid less than men in similar jobs and that they are promoted less frequently than men. The plaintiffs point out that 65% of hourly employees are women, but only 33% of managers are female. They also charge that women are subject to sexist actions and gender stereotyping. The company has recently taken steps to change employment practices. It has restructured pay scales, added nationwide job posting, and tied executive bonuses to meeting specific employment diversity goals. The plaintiffs and their lawyers must prove that the company knew about the problems and exhibited malice or reckless disregard in dealing with them.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Do you think Wal-Mart should try to settle out of court with the plaintiffs? Why or why not?

2. What could the company do to increase the number of women managers?

3. What could the company do to reduce or eliminate sexist actions and gender stereotyping?