ABSTRACT

In a very fundamental sense, issues surrounding diversity in the workplace are inextricably linked to equal employment opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action. EEO seeks to end discrimination in the workplace, and affirmative action is a means to producing a diverse workforce. Any attempt to understand measures aimed at promoting, maintaining, and managing diversity—the next iteration of EEO and affirmative action—should logically begin with a brief review of EEO and affirmative action. EEO law is considered passive in the sense that it requires employers to refrain from discriminating against protected-class members. Moreover, affirmative action continues to be an important tool for the promotion of protected-class persons to upper-level positions in the workplace. Managing diversity involves ensuring that every reach of the organizational hierarchy is diversified and that the workplace is free from the hostilities and harassment that often arise in a highly diverse workforce.