Scenario 1

I am from S. Korea. I earned my MBA in marketing from the University of Towsonville in 2023. Upon graduation, I received a job offer from XYZ Inc. as a client management specialist. The company has provided training programs focused on local market analysis, product and service development, customer relations, public communications, etc. My performance in training programs was successful, as I was among the top 10% of all trainees. One year later, the company posted a job announcement searching for a client management specialist expected to revitalize a regional office, whose performance has declined over the last three years. I applied for that position to challenge myself by turning over the struggling business. I became one of the final candidates but later received a rejection notice. I was wondering about the reasons for the rejection. Eventually, I heard that the regional manager opposed hiring me for that position because I, being an Asian, would not be a good fit. The regional manager worried most clients would be reluctant to build good relationships with minorities, resulting in further loss of business in the area. Finally, the company offered a job to another candidate with knowledge, skills, and abilities similar to mine. I complained about that decision, but the company claimed the decision was made based on economic and financial reasons, without any intention of treating me differently because of my race.

1. What is the type of discrimination related to the scenario? Disparate treatment or disparate impact? What is the rationale for your answer?

Type of discrimination
Rationale

2. What is the protected class that matters in this case? What law and court case would be related to the scenario? You may find the court case from the study material.

Protected class
Law
Court case

3. How could I establish a prima facie case? Would it be successful?

How to establish a prima facie case
Will it be successful? Why?

4. How could the company defend its decision if I successfully established a prima facie case?

How to defend the rejection decision

5. What if the company wants to exclude racial minorities from that position entirely? What do you call this practice? Will the company successfully defend such a practice?

What do you call this practice?
Will it be successful? Why?

6. Assume that the company defended against the prima facie case, meaning that you, as a plaintiff, should make rebuttal arguments against the company. What would be your argument?

Plaintiff's rebuttal arguments

7. Based on the information presented in the scenario, what would be the court's decision? Will the court rule in favor of the company or you? Why do you think so?

Court decision: in favor of whom?
Why do you think so?