5.03 - Business Ethics Case Studies

Case Study: Discrimination in the Workplace

by Elaine E. Englehardt

Humanities/Philosophy

Marian, a top graduate from Loyola in Humanities, was hired by a major corporation

into a management position. Marian finished the corporation's management training

program top in her group, and is performing above the norm in her position. She is

really enjoying her work.

As a black woman she feels isolated, as there are no other black women managers

and few women in her area. One night at a company party she heard a

conversation between two of her male co-workers and their supervisor. They were

complaining to him about Marian's lack of qualifications and her unpleasant

personality. They cursed affirmative action regulations for making the hiring of

Marian necessary.

Marian is very upset and wants to quit.

Questions:

Should Marian quit?

Are her co-workers correct in their evaluation?

Should Marian confront the co-workers?

Should Marian file a discrimination suit?

Should Marian go to the supervisor?

What else could Marian do?